New pump-out facility a ‘fantastic boost’ for tourism in Athy
Work underway by the waterway on the pump-out facility. A pump-out is a system by which sewage is removed from a boat and pumped into a town sewage system. Photo: Clifford Reid
THE installation of a new pump-out facility near the Horse Bridge in Athy has been welcomed as a boost for tourism in the area.
A pump-out is a system by which sewage is removed from a boat and pumped into a town sewage system, thereby avoiding polluting the waterway.
Local man Clifford Reid, who runs BoatTrips.ie, said it’s located at the 28th Lock, the meeting point of the River Barrow and the Grand Canal. He described it as a boost for boats visiting Athy and growing waterways-based tourism in the town.
“It’s fantastic,” he said and added that it will benefit boat operators and hire companies.
Clifford explained that the nearest pump-out facility to this is in Graiguenamanagh in Co Kilkenny or Lowtown in north Kildare, and it will encourage people to come to Athy.
Earlier this year, local Fianna Fáil councillor Veralouise Behan told an Athy Municipal District meeting that people would stay in Athy longer if there was a (working) pump-out facility.
“I'm absolutely delighted to see this work being carried out,” she told the . “Athy's waterways have always been popular, with the Grand Canal and the Barrow capturing the imagination of those who navigate them.
“This pump-out facility is one key component that will allow tourists coming from Dublin to stay a while, explore Athy and enjoy its lively music scene, and a summer calendar of river events. Or tie up downstream in the quietness of Levitstown, or Maganey, before heading south to Leighlinbridge.
“All in all it’s good for our local economy, and any step to boost that is welcome.”
A spokesperson for Waterways Ireland confirmed that they have begun the process of installing a pump-out on the Barrow in Athy.
“The pump-out in Athy will be operable by means of a smart card, which is sold by Waterways Ireland and local retailers,” they said.
“Once the pump-out unit is installed, it must be tested and commissioned by attaching it to the local electrical, water and sewage systems. This will require the involvement of Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks and should be completed and operational within four weeks.”
The new pump-out is one of a number of measures and projects that should help boost visitor numbers in the area over the coming years. Funding has been secured for the regeneration of Emily Square, for example, while work is currently underway on refurbishing the town’s Shackleton Museum.
