Infrastructure Minister Visits Carnoe Weir Rehabilitation Project

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has visited Kilrea to receive an update on the ongoing £3.8m DFI funded Carnoe Weir Rehabilitation Project.

Carnoe Weir is located on the Lower River Bann near Kilrea. It is approximately 180m long and, combined with three other weirs on the river, is essential to the retention of water levels for boat movements and ecology along the length of the Lower Bann. Waterways Ireland have been progressing a project to repair the weir which had begun to deteriorate. Minister O'Dowd said: "I was pleased to visit Kilrea today to see the significant progress on the £3.8m Carnroe Weir renovation Project.

"The project, funded by my Department and carried out by Waterways Ireland, involves the repair of the structure listed on the Industrial Heritage Register to address the deterioration while remaining sympathetic to the original structure constructed in the 1850s. Two phases have been completed to the eastern side of the River Bann with sixty percent of the weir now repaired. The final phase currently in progress, to the western side of the river is due for completion in the autumn.

"I commend all those involved in delivering this ambitious project and look forward to seeing the completed works later this year."