NOT enough is being done to maintain the size of Enniskillen’s river way and retain the heritage of our island town’s waterways.
That is the fear of Lough Erne Heritage chairman, Fred Ternan.
He believes that Enniskillen could be at risk of losing its island town status, if steps are not taken to save it from ongoing neglect.
Mr. Ternan had the benefit of seeing for himself the extent of the issue last week during a wooden boat exhibition around the island town.
“The reduction in the size of the river should be aired to try and have something done about it,” he said, “There are a couple of reasons why something should be done about it: to retain its status as the only island town; to make it more attractive to visitors and locals; to raise awareness of its heritage, and to have a surrounding waterway which can be used.”
Having previously worked at the Crown Buildings in the town, Mr. Ternan says he has seen the river close in gradually over time.
He adds too, that in some ways, we have contributed to the river’s current peril with the introduction of structures such as the Queen Elizabeth Road’s promenade and the river’s latest addition: a makeshift hub based at Erneside offering boat hiring opportunities.
“If you put anything into a river it is going to affect the flow of the water,” says Mr. Ternan.
“Water can’t get through Enniskillen quick enough from the Upper Lough,” he says, “It is narrow at Enniskillen so we shouldn’t be doing anything to increase the constriction that is there.
“The main flow at Enniskillen is down through West Bridge, passed Round O and Portora.
“When you build a jetty for example - even the boats mooring at the jetty cause a hold up of the water.
“Another issue is the growth of weeds that have been allowed to develop.
“It is not that many years ago that the area was clear but now weeds are growing so long and getting thicker and thicker, catching all the silt that flows, and as a result, the river is getting shallower.
“It is reducing the area that the river can flow.”
Mr. Ternan says a clean-up of the waterways would have a positive impact for everyone.
“We need to be making more of the heritage and history of Enniskillen. When we rode around Enniskillen we couldn’t see the steps that provided access up to the old Workhouse - that is because of the weeds, it is shocking.
“If they gradually build up, soil gathers around the area and eventually it becomes land, so that piece of history is lost.
“Along the Convent side of the river, there is a lovely wall built in the 1800s. That was a dock for goods brought from Belleek by water - that can’t be seen either because of the overgrowth.
“Much emphasis has been placed on the area near the Forum and the castle and the rest of the surrounding river forgotten about,” Mr. Ternan fears.
“Apart from all this the big issue is that if closed up, it will have an effect on the flooding which takes place around the Upper Lough in times of heavy rain.
“Any waterway should be kept open as much as possible with weeds, silt and overhanging branches removed, all of which adds to the constriction,” Mr. Ternan added.
A spokesperson for Waterways Ireland said: “Waterways Ireland’s statutory function is to manage, maintain, develop and restore specified inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. At an operational level on the Erne System, it is responsible for maintaining the navigation channels and its public jetties and facilities which when combined deliver a safe and high quality recreational environment for its customers.“Information relating to water levels and management should be sought from Rivers Agency and ESB who are responsible for managing Erne water levels.“Feedback from customers is always welcome. Contact Waterways Ireland on info@waterwaysireland.org.”
A spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said the Local Authority has no responsibility for the management and maintenance of the waterways and water levels
"In addition, many of the sites along the waterways are privately owned or managed by other agencies," they said.
"The Council is committed to working with others to promote quality of life, quality places and quality services for all and is currently involved in a number of projects to develop and enhance heritage along the waterways. These include for example the Enniskillen Workhouse project, which has been developed by the Council in partnership with South West College with a development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This project aims to restore the entrance block of the former workhouse and to develop a business and heritage hub.The project is at an early stage. A design team has been appointed and an application for additional funding to restore the building will be submitted by the Council to the Heritage Lottery Fund in October 2019. The Council is also a partner of the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership which aims to identify potential opportunities for the enhancement of our local built and natural heritage."