2009:510 - RIVER NORE, ISLAND MILL, BURRELLSPARK, THOMASTOWN, Kilkenny

A survey of the existing weir structure at Island Mill, River Nore, Grennan/Burrellspark townlands, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, was undertaken as part of a proposed weir conservation project initiated by the Thomastown River Community Trust. The structural integrity of the weir was compromised in February 2008, the central section being washed away during heavy floods. As a result, an assessment was proposed to provide a detailed record of the extent and condition of the remaining weir sections and ascertain their long-term stability.
Island Weir is situated c. 400m upstream of Thomastown Bridge and forms part of a mill complex dating from the late 18th century onwards, Island flourmill being located on the south side of the river and Ardland’s Inch cornmill to the north. Both mill structures are listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Island Mill is also listed in the Record of Protected Structures in the Kilkenny County Development Plan. While the weir structure itself is not listed in either inventory, it forms an integral part of the history and development of the aforementioned mill sites.
A detailed survey of Island Weir and the existing river environment was undertaken to identify and record the location, nature and dimensions of the remaining in situ elements of the weir structure. A detailed plan of the weir structure was made using a combination of total station and differential GPS recording. This data was supplemented by systematic visual inspection of the structure and a detailed photographic and written record. In addition, a series of nine river profiles were taken at suitable locations upstream and downstream of the weir site, to record existing riverbed topography. A waded/dive survey was also undertaken to record any submerged features and assess the erosion effect of river-flow on the weir following the displacement/collapse of a 22m section of the structure. It was evident that considerable scouring was occurring along three locations: along the northern side of the salmon-race, at a section of weir footing that runs 18m eastward of the weir’s head, and across the exposed/damaged section of the northern arm of the structure.