Issued 21.09.09

Waterways Ireland WaterMaster shines at National Ploughing Championships

Waterways Ireland WaterMaster Classic III has taken central stage at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co Kildare. The WaterMaster - a floating multipurpose excavator, one of two owned by Waterways Ireland, is based on the 1000km of navigable waterways managed by the organisation, north and south.

With a tool kit of seven different attachments including; a Movax side-grip piling hammer, tree shears, dredging pump and floating discharge pipes and excavating buckets and rake, the WaterMaster Classic III is fully occupied throughout the year. The Waterways Ireland WaterMaster undertakes land-based work from the shore when the shore is inaccessible or with limited access as well as tasks such as the placement of navigation markers in the waterway using the pile driving attachment.

Waterways Ireland will also have in attendance the 'Inis Aingin' a 7.6m long Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Used by Waterways Ireland Inspectorate in the performance of their duties the Rib is highly manoeuvrable in the narrow channels and canals managed by the organisation.

Waterways Ireland is the navigation authority for the Barrow Navigation, the Erne System, the Grand Canal, the Lower Bann, the Royal Canal, the Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Shannon Navigation. Waterways Ireland will also have a stand at the show providing information on recreation on the inland waterways

Visit Waterways Ireland at the National Ploughing Championships at Stand Number 171 Row J, and in the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Marquee.