Emergency services to hold major training exercise at River Barrow today
The River Barrow near Ballnagraine Lock, south of Borris, where emergency services are conducting a major training exercise.
Multiple emergency services will conduct a large-scale training exercise this morning along the River Barrow, with motorists warned to expect delays on a key local route.
The “Emergency Services Barrow Incident Response Exercise” is taking place from 9am to 1pm today at Access Point No 10 at Ballnagraine Lock, south of Borris. The exercise has been coordinated by Carlow County Fire & Rescue Service and has been in planning since April.
The training aims to improve coordination between primary emergency services responding to incidents along the River Barrow and to test the use of the Barrow Access Point location system.
Participating services include Carlow/Bagenalstown Fire Service, Carlow Civil Defence, Kilkenny Fire Service (Graignamanagh), AGS Carlow Division, and the National Ambulance Service. Also taking part are Waterways Ireland, a local cardiac first responder group, and a local kayak club.
Road users are advised that delays are likely on the R729 between Mt Leinster Rangers GAA grounds and Clashganny during the four-hour exercise window. The Barrow walk between Clashganny and Borris House may also have restricted access during this time.
The exercise represents a significant multi-agency training effort designed to enhance emergency response capabilities along the river system, which sees regular recreational use by walkers, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts.
