Write a commentRefurbishment of Victoria Lock continued apace today with a massive operation put in place to reinstall the seaward lock gates on the historic Newry Ship Canal, after extensive renovation and repairs.
The gates were moved back into place at lunchtime yesterday and earlier today with the help of a 500 ton Crane.
Contractors James Oliver Hearty based in Dorsey, South Armagh were appointed by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to carry out the work, which as well as the gate repairs involved the laborious dredging of the lock chamber, removing mud and silt that had the potential to greatly restrict the size of ships entering the Canal.
Victoria Lock is at the mouth of Newry Ship Canal where it enters Carlingford Lough and movement of boating traffic hasn’t been possible since the work started in July 2015.
A date for re-opening the canal to traffic as far as the Albert Basin hasn't been confirmed but the reinstallation of the lock gates is an important step on the way.
