Commissioned by Carrickcraft, one of Ireland’s leading cruiser hire operators, we undertook a complete replacement of the existing marina pontoons in Carrick-on-Shannon.
| Client | Carrickcraft |
| Date | September 2025 |
| Where | Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, Ireland |
Located along the banks of the River Shannon, the original pontoon infrastructure had served the marina for more than 30 years and had reached the end of its operational lifespan.
Our brief was to design, supply and install a modern pontoon system that would enhance safety, durability and accessibility for both local boaters and visiting cruisers navigating Ireland’s inland waterways.
We supplied and installed a total of 273 metres of standard pontoon walkway, featuring a 500mm freeboard. The configuration included a combination of 2m, 2.4m, and 3m-wide pontoons to maximise flexibility and safe pedestrian flow.
To accommodate a range of water users, the installation also incorporated:
- A 10.5m x 3m low freeboard canoe pontoon, improving safe launch and recovery for paddlers
- A 7.5m x 1.2m finger pontoon, increasing berthing efficiency and accessibility
Each phase of the installation was carefully sequenced and delivered in three stages, with each stage taking approximately one week to complete. Every pontoon section was precisely lifted into position using an 80-tonne mobile crane, ensuring safe placement and alignment within the marina layout.
The new system features slip resistant, durable GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) decking, selected for its strength, longevity and low maintenance requirements. This provides a robust walking surface with enhanced grip in wet conditions – an essential consideration for riverside infrastructure.
The project required the removal and replacement of ageing pontoons without causing significant disruption to marina operations during the busy boating season. Working on a live waterway presented logistical challenges, including coordinating works around river traffic and managing safe crane lifts over water.
“Projects like this are always most successful when there is strong collaboration on both sides,” says Brian Rigney, Project Manager at Inland and Coastal. “Liam and the team at Carrickcraft were excellent to work with, and together we’ve been able to deliver a durable, future-ready pontoon system for their marina in Carrick-on-Shannon.”
Working with Inland & Coastal was a great experience. Their team understood exactly what we needed … and delivered a high-quality pontoon system that will support our operations and visiting boaters on the River Shannon for many years to come.
Liam O’Neill, Operations Manager, Carrickcraft
The completed pontoon system now provides a stable and future-proofed facility for Carrickcraft and the wider boating community.
Key benefits include improved safety and accessibility for passengers embarking and disembarking vessels, enhanced durability and reduced maintenance demand and dedicated access for canoe and small craft users, as well as increased overall berthing efficiency.
