Geograph - photograph every grid square

Some photographs showing the ice along the River Lagan upstream of the weir. There was a considerable accumulation of ice after the heavy snow on 16/17 December 2010 and the long period of temperatures always below freezing - sometimes as low as -18C. The thaw started on 26 December. At 10.30 on 27 December the Lagan had sheets of ice, sounding like breaking glass as they collided in the fast-flowing river. By 11.45 most had melted in the warmer waters though a few impressive sheets remained along the towpath between the Lockview Road and the entrance to the Lagan Meadows.

Stranmillis Weir, close to the Lockview Road, is currently the limit of navigation on the Lagan. There was a plan to replace it and re-open the Lagan Navigation to Lisburn A further plan envisages a new cut from Lisburn to Lough Neagh.

There is the following planning permission (25 September 2017 – application on 15 December 2015) “LA04/2016/0041/F Lagan gateway project includes: the provision of a new boat lock at Stranmillis to allow the passage of boats past the weir, new footbridge and path linking Annadale embankment with Stranmillis and paths to Belvoir Park. Works involve working in the river Lagan near an existing weir and fish pass and constructing a footbridge near a scheduled monument area (historical lock) (Environmental Statement received) Site located at the weir at Stranmillis near Belfast Boat Club BT9 5FJ”.
This approval does not envisage the removal of the existing weir.