Challenges 2022

that the same criterion can be interpreted in completely different ways by various parties.

EN 1090

The 12-metre KWT weir valves were engineered with special software to demonstrate that the force/pressure in the material would not exceed 200N/mm2 . This is a requirement of the Euro Code EN 1090 that KWT uses, among other things, to demonstrate that the solution is structurally safe. The consequences of a breach, i.e. the Shannon River dropping by half a metre in level, could be very serious.

After the weir valves arrived in Ireland, they were transported by a Waterways Ireland pontoon on the Shannon River and installed by the contractor using a crane on a newly constructed concrete dam. KWT prepared special installation templates to specify where the chemical anchors were to be set in the concrete. This gave the contractor an insight into where the reinforced concrete needed to be placed so that the subsequent holes in the concrete for the chemical anchors could be drilled without too many problems and delays.

As KWT’s contacts with both the local contractor and with Waterways Ireland as the final client were very good, the three parties kept one another fully informed at all times, The concrete weir construction with the 12-metre KWT weir valve as seen from Meelick.

constantly voicing their confidence that everything would be done to make this project a success for all the parties involved.

KWT delivered the weir valves on time and on schedule. Waterways Ireland, together with the local contractor, installed the valve weirs according to the Installation Instructions prepared by KWT and completed the work on site before the construction site had to be closed for the start of the storm and fishing season.

The time had finally come on 24 September 2021. The Meelick Weir and footbridge in the River Shannon were officially opened by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr Darragh O’Brien, and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Mr Malcolm Noonan together with the CEO of Waterways Ireland, Mr John McDonagh. As KWT, we had been specially invited to attend this.

“Meelick Weir is an iconic building and I am delighted that this restoration project has now been completed. The weir is an exceptionally important piece of navigation infrastructure, which means that the water levels of the Shannon River can be managed for navigation. The Dutch systems that are built into the weir also provide a safer working environment for our staff.” “This is the largest project ever undertaken by Waterways Ireland since we have restored the main line of the Royal Canal and I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues and KWT, who worked diligently to bring this ambitious project to completion under budget during very challenging times.” - John McDonagh

The 300-metre-long Meelick Weir on the Shannon River.