From William Henry Smith CE A Twelve Months’ Residence in Ireland, during the famine and the public works, 1846 and 1847. With suggestions to meet the coming crisis: practical suggestions to English and Irish landholders, on improved agriculture, reclamation of bogs, mosses and other waste lands; physical and social aspect; the famine and public works; monetary suggestions for Irish property; harbours and fisheries [Longman, Brown, Green, & Longmans, London; Hodges and Smith, Dublin 1848]:
As it is, there are some very fine solid works here; the bridge, the locks, and the weir, do great credit to all parties, both in the skill of design, and care in execution; they are the only great improvements, west of Dublin, possessing a really English character of magnitude, usefulness, and finish.
Irish waterways history 