River Inny project sees radical transformation

Jenny McGovern

Two weeks have passed since The Celt checked in on the ambitious development project of a section of the River Inny and we are delighted to report that the area has undergone a vast transformation. The recent heatwave hasn’t prevented Ballyjamesduff Tidy Towns team from their work on the River Inny project.
An attractive stone wall has been built, which banks the area, and paving slabs have been laid to create a neat pathway running parallel to the river. Work has also begun on building a decking area to the rear corner of the project site, this area will be surrounded by some willow or alder trees and will perhaps incorporate a bench or a picnic area.
The measurements for the bridge have been taken and local iron monger Eoin McCough is tasked with the job of creating the framework for the bridge which the team will then cover with timber sidings. It is expected that work on the bridge will be ready by Friday, July 26. Susan Willis, Chairperson of Ballyjamesduff Tidy Towns commends the volunteers who have worked tirelessly from this project’s inception, but particularly those who have toiled throughout the recent heatwave.
“The local FAS members were such a great help to us,” enthused Susan. “Over the past two weeks they have turned their hand to everything, and were especially instrumental in clearing the river of the remaining debris.”
The stretch of the River Inny the team is working on has a sluggish flow. However Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), has given Susan advice on improving the flow and fish population of the river. These recommendations include the building of weirs, the planting native wild grasses and deciduous, indigenous shrubs and also narrowing the width of the river.
“The desired situation for this stretch of river is to speed up the water; this would in turn increase oxygen levels for the fish and help to flush out any trapped sediment,” Brenda Montgomery, (IFI) environmental protection officer explained. “Following our suggestion the team have already installed a V-notched weir using timber sleepers at the point where the river looks upstream. This weir will create a better fall of water which will increase the flow of water downstream.”
Brenda has also suggested that a layer of stones be placed in the area between the first bridge and the new footbridge. “This would act as a bank reinforcement and also have a narrowing effect on the width of the river which will increase the flow downstream and increase oxygen levels in the water.”

Natural
The team wish to keep the area as natural as possible and Brenda has recommended that they plant some wild grasses on the river slope, as these will grow over time and provide shelter for wildlife. It is hoped that trout parr will begin to populate the river once these measures are in place.
With the August 10 deadline drawing ever nearer, they hope to have the decking area and benches installed, and the new footbridge slotted in to place by July 26. Beautifying the area with various indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses, is the final phase and topsoil will be delivered this week.
For more on the project, see: www.get-intvolved.ie