More Recent Achievements

• We are proud to share that the Meath Local Association was involved in the restoration of three locks on the Boyne Navigation Canal. They are near the east end of the Navigation in Oldbridge and Staleen (near Donore), where three sets of new lock gates have been installed.
• We have also supported the Boyne Greenway by submitting documentation to assist with the Feasibility Studies being undertaken by Meath County Council. An Taisce and IWAI Boyne Navigation have discussed with Council the use of canal towpaths for the proposed Greenway section from Oldbbridge to Navan. This project is expected to boost tourism and provide excellent leisure amenities for residents.
• The Meath Local Association also maintains ongoing collaboration with the Boyne Navigation Branch of the Inlands Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) to upkeep the canal at Oldbridge and along the Ramparts in Navan. Can follow the great work that IWAI is doing along the Boyne and if you would like to volunteer, check out their website here.
• Pleased to share that the plans for the redevelopment of the Spicer’s Bakery site in Navan have been given the go ahead from An Bord Pleanála. By connecting with Meath County Council, The Meath Local Association initiated the purchase of the unused Spicer’s bakery site, which includes several 19th-century buildings that have been idle for many years. Meath County Council has prepared a redevelopment plan for the Spicer’s site in consultation with the Meath Local Association. This scheme, when implemented, will significantly boost tourism in Navan and provide an important amenity for the town and the launch pad for the Greenway. Can read more about it here: Redevelopment of park and former bakery site warmly welcomed | Meath Chronicle
• Delighted to share that the restoration work on Babe’s Bridge (banner image — photo by James Leahy) has now been completed since June 19, 2024. To allow for the completion of these essential conservation repairs, we sincerely thank the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, National Monuments Service, Meath County Council and the many experts and volunteers involved in this project. Babe’s Bridge is a recorded monument protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004. The monument, and its attendant grounds are in the ownership of An Taisce as part of the Boyne Navigation. Babe’s Bridge, also known as Ferganstown or Robber’s Bridge, was built by the Normans, at the time of King John, at the beginning of the 13th century and probably completed around 1216. It originally had 11 arches across the Boyne with only one arch is of existence today which is now one of the oldest surviving authenticated bridges in Ireland. Conservation works were required to ensure stability of the remaining bridge arch structure as it was threatened by tree growth out of the masonry and general neglect. Restoration works began on March 27, 2024 and were completed by June 19, 2024. We look forward to sharing a longer report on the essential works that were completed on one of Ireland’s oldest bridges.