P J Norris commented here on the need for a walkway across Meelick Weir. The excellent KildareStreet.com tells us that the drought will end, as a Dáil written answer on 22 October 2013 showed.
Michael Kitt [FF, Galway East] had asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
… when it is proposed to reopen the walkway which spans the weir on the River Shannon in Meelick, County Galway; if funding has been provided for this work; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is an important local and tourist amenity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Jimmy Deenihan [FG, Kerry North/West Limerick] said
I am informed by Waterways Ireland that it is currently preparing a submission for planning permission to construct a new walkway over the River Shannon at Meelick. Indeed, environmental studies are underway to support the planning application.
I must advise the Deputy that construction work may only commence when all necessary permits have been received. It is Waterways Ireland’s intention to undertake works at the weir during 2014, subject to the appropriate statutory approvals being granted and financial resources being available.
Financial resources, eh? Perhaps a coin- (or note-)operated toll-gate on the walkway would be best.
Irish waterways history 