The Waterways Ireland repair crew working on the canal near The Downs had to construct a stone dam to get machinery to the side where the leak occurred.

Canal leak repair work at The Downs ongoing

Published: Tue 8 Mar 2022, 4:55 PM

Last updated: Wed 9 Mar 2022, 12:36 PM

Waterways Ireland have confirmed to the Westmeath Examiner that a "substantial water leakage" has occurred on the Royal Canal near The Downs.

Their crews have been working on the site for several weeks now and work is ongoing. They had to dam the canal to locate the leak and make one of the dams substantial enough for machinery to cross the canal.

The leak is on the north side of the canal - the main road (N4) side.

The dam on the Baltrasna side of the work site is made of clay.

In a statement, Waterways Ireland said:

"Waterways Ireland determined that a substantial water leakage was occurring on the summit level of the Royal Canal on The Downs.

"Leaks of this nature can cause the canal bank to weaken and as such Waterways Ireland took urgent action to identify the source(s) and move on to site the equipment necessary to undertake the repairs.

"The work programme began by dewatering of the canal and the installation of dams to clear the area so it could be investigated while ensuring no loss of marine life.

"Traffic management is in place on the towpath so the impact of the repair works on recreational canal and greenway users will be limited. A Marine Notice has been issued and signage placed at the site.”