Claddagh lock gates to be removed for refurbishment

Galway City Council has approved plans for refurbishment works at the Claddagh Basin in a scheme expected to take up to three months.

The project will involve erecting hoarding around access points to the basin, and the removal of the lock gates off-site, as well as the construction of a new replacement footbridge which will be attached to the top of the new gates.

It will also involve providing additional anchor supports in the form of mass concrete blocks.

According to the application from the Lough Corrib Navigation Trustees, the works are required to prolong the lifespan of the gates, which date to 1988, while the basin itself dates back to 1880.

According to project engineers, JBA Consulting: “While the numbers employed will vary over the construction period, an average of about five staff on site can be assumed for seven to nine working days.

“However, there will be time between these working days when the site will be vacant while waiting for the refurbishment of the local gates to be completed off-site. It is expected the total project duration could be as long as three months.”

A conservation report from Scott Tallon Walker Architects reads: “The gate at the Claddagh Basin is just one of two – the latter which opened to Galway Bay no longer exists. The present gate dates to 1988. However, the original gate was removed in 1954 to allow the last boat to sail through which was the M.Y. Amo II, a 90-foot converted minelayer which served in the First World War.

“The project will have minimum impact on the existing structure because there is no demolition involved, the canal walls/pound lock are to be retained. Refurbishment works to the gates and fabrication of new footbridge will be undertaken off site, therefore there will be minimal disruption to the general public and minimal risk of any pollution to Claddagh Basin or River Corrib.

“Water quality will be maintained using sandbags to ensure no debris will travel from where works will be carried out. Also, the soil type is low permeability, therefore the risk is low for concrete infiltration through soil/quay walls to surrounding watercourses.”