Waterways Ireland denies neglect of Laois canal route
Body states they take their 'statutory maintenance responsibilities very seriously'
Waterways Ireland has issued a statement in response to allegations of neglect made by a Laois barge rental company.
Speaking last week to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, Barrowline Cruisers in Vicarstown claimed that Waterways Ireland has allegedly neglected maintenance works along the Barrow Navigation waterway, stating that it has cost the company both money and business.
Pictured: Along the Barrow Navigation
Barrowline Cruisers alleged that the 'dangerously shallow' depths along the Barrow Navigation is not due to climate change, but rather due to the neglect of weed cutting maintenance along the route. Waterways Ireland refute this statement.
"As man-made waterways, our canals are entirely dependent on water supply from natural sources such as rivers, lakes and groundwater," Waterways Ireland said in response.
Pictured: A Barrowline Cruiser barge along the Barrow Navigation
"Throughout 2025, there have been historically low ground water levels in Pollardstown Fen, which feed both the Barrow line and the Grand Canal. This is also the case in Lough Owel, which feeds the Royal Canal. The midlands experienced drought conditions during the summer of 2025," the representative continued.
"The pressures on canal water supply are not unique to the island of Ireland. Across Great Britain and Europe, canals are increasingly facing similar challenges with several waterways in Great Britain forced to temporarily close in 2025 due to critically low water levels. Climate change is intensifying these pressures," they said.
In response to claims that Waterways Ireland has neglected to maintain overgrown weeds along the Barrow Navigation, Waterways Ireland responded that they have deployed all resources this year.
"Lower rainfall, extended periods of sunshine and consistent dry weather spells led to ideal conditions for weed growth from early Spring in 2025. Waterways Ireland deployed all available weed-cutting resources on the Barrow System to manage this issue and has developed an updated weed management plan for 2026."
The State body have said that they take their 'statutory maintenance responsibilities' for the Barrow Navigation and canals 'very seriously'.
"The River Barrow is a Special Area of Conservation. Due to evolving environmental case law, certain aspects of routine maintenance work now require planning permission," they said.
"Waterways Ireland sought and received planning approval for a five-year Barrow Maintenance Programme from each local authority (Kildare, Carlow and Laois County Councils), including dredging, small-scale bank repair and bank strengthening - to ensure the river is managed in a sustainable manner for continued use," the representative shared.
"Essential quay wall refurbishment works at Vicarstown Harbour in County Laois will begin in October 2025. It is anticipated that further works will begin in Laois in the next permittable time-period to minimise adverse biodiversity impacts, which is July-September 2026."
Waterways Ireland explained that appeals to the grant of planning permission were lodged in Kildare and Carlow, which are being considered by An Coimisiún Pleanála, with a decision expected In November 2025.
"Waterways Ireland is committed to working with stakeholders in its role as custodian to protect and improve the amenity potential of the River Barrow, and to safeguard recreational opportunities and accessibility for all users of the navigation," they said.
The body have stated that Mr John McDonagh, CEO of Waterways Ireland, met with the proprietors of Barrowline Cruisers in August and committed then to a follow-up meeting in November.