Following Alexander Nimmo's survey of Lough Corrib, over 200 years ago, Eglinton Canal was constructed (although not to Nimmo's specifications). It's presence allowed for trade to occur between Galway City, Maam and Cong. It also linked the River to the sea (Atlantic Ocean) to the west of the city.
The Eglinton Canal provided two main functions, firstly as a navigation channel from the Claddagh Basin to Lough Corrib and secondly as a feeder channel to ...the Gaol River and Western River and the various mills they powered. Swivel bridges, constructed from a wrought iron frame and timber decking, were erected at five road crossings.
The canal was used for transport of goods by boat until the early part of the 20th century. Tolls of £370 were collected in 1880 but this had reduced to £35 in 1905 and £1 in 1916. The last boat to use the canal was the Guinness 90 foot yacht, OAmo II, in 1954. By this stage the swivel bridges were in a poor state and it was decided to replace the bridges with fixed bridges.
Galway City Council has confirmed that contractors will begin temporary emergency works including the removal and replacement of the rotted, wooden lock gates as there is a risk of failure.