Survey Data
Reg No
15009404
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Weir
In Use As
Weir
Date
1840 - 1850
Coordinates
204117, 241257
Date Recorded
10/10/2006
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Weir on crescent-shaped plan spanning the River Shannon, built c.1845 and possibly incorporating the fabric of earlier weirs to site. Stepped salmon leap to the centre. Constructed of cut limestone with cement rendered slipway, c.1960, to the east bank having rubble stone sheltering walls with cut stone coping over. Associated Shannon Navigation lock (15000345) to the west bank. Located to the south of The Shannon Road Bridge (15000006).
Appraisal
This weir and associated works are an important part of the industrial heritage of Athlone. They were originally built as part of the Shannon Navigation works, which took place between 1840-9 with the intention of opening the Shannon to increased commercial traffic and trade. The associated lock is located to the west (15000345) and together these feature transverse the River Shannon to the south of the main Shannon Road Bridge (15000010) in Athlone. These well-built and robust works are typical of the engineering projects of the Victorian Period and are an integral part of the industrial, economic and social history of the area.