Menu
12/12/2008
Fermanagh Floodgates Replaced, Thanks To ESB
Cash from the Republic of Ireland's Electricity Supply Board (ESB) - which generates hydro-electric power from Lough Erne after it leaves Northern Ireland at Belleek - has been used to provide a overdue update on flood protection in Co Fermanagh (pictured). The only lock on the whole Erne system has been replaced at Portora in Enniskillen along with the giant sluice gates that have controlled the waters of Lough Erne for more than half a century.
The huge flood protection barriers in Enniskillen manage the flow between the upper and lower sections of the waterway - although the lock gates are mostly left open to allow cruisers and other vessels up and down - they can be closed and the barrier raised when required by water levels.
This is often to facilitate the ESB at their station at Cathaleen Falls near Ballyshannon in Co Donegal where the Assaroe Lake has been formed by dams constructed across the Erne River as it flows towards the Atlantic at Ballyshannon.
Work commenced on the long established hydro-electric power stations at Cathaleens Falls in 1946.
Building the two dams involved major construction and excavation work and was completed in the early 1950s.
Although the famed Assaroe Falls and a distinctive 14-arch bridge disappeared as a result of the work, a salmon hatchery at the power station has since produced smolts to stock the entire Erne and salmon runs.
Now, the four, new 13 tonne gates have now taken their place at the Portora Castle site, just outside the main part of Enniskillen.
Stephen Dawson, from the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency, saying the old gates "had reached the end of their useful life".
"We are delighted the refurbishment has gone according to plan. We expect the new gates to last at least for another 50 years," he said, noting that the complex replacement project took four months to complete.
(BMcC)
The huge flood protection barriers in Enniskillen manage the flow between the upper and lower sections of the waterway - although the lock gates are mostly left open to allow cruisers and other vessels up and down - they can be closed and the barrier raised when required by water levels.
This is often to facilitate the ESB at their station at Cathaleen Falls near Ballyshannon in Co Donegal where the Assaroe Lake has been formed by dams constructed across the Erne River as it flows towards the Atlantic at Ballyshannon.
Work commenced on the long established hydro-electric power stations at Cathaleens Falls in 1946.
Building the two dams involved major construction and excavation work and was completed in the early 1950s.
Although the famed Assaroe Falls and a distinctive 14-arch bridge disappeared as a result of the work, a salmon hatchery at the power station has since produced smolts to stock the entire Erne and salmon runs.
Now, the four, new 13 tonne gates have now taken their place at the Portora Castle site, just outside the main part of Enniskillen.
Stephen Dawson, from the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency, saying the old gates "had reached the end of their useful life".
"We are delighted the refurbishment has gone according to plan. We expect the new gates to last at least for another 50 years," he said, noting that the complex replacement project took four months to complete.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
28 November 2024
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
28 November 2024
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
28 November 2024
How Does Betting Regulation Work In Northern Ireland?
Just like many other regions worldwide, Northern Ireland has a lot of people that enjoy gambling. However, since this type of experience can lead to abuse and financial losses, there's a constant need for regulation. That's why there are many different regulations and guidelines when it comes to betting in Northern Ireland.
How Does Betting Regulation Work In Northern Ireland?
Just like many other regions worldwide, Northern Ireland has a lot of people that enjoy gambling. However, since this type of experience can lead to abuse and financial losses, there's a constant need for regulation. That's why there are many different regulations and guidelines when it comes to betting in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
