Ullard to Killane.
The distance between these bridges is 1½ miles, and the difference of
level is
7½
feet, which is equal to 5 feet per mile, and affords sufficient fall for
all the purposes of drainage and discharge.
The character of the river here is very similar to the preceding length;
it is not quite so shallow, but more tortuous, and, in addition to other
obstructions, weeds considerably impede the flow, especially about
Ullard bridge, which is very insufficient and also badly placed. There
are 2 small tributaries coming in on the east, and 3 on the west side,
in this length; the former are from Kilmaglush, Turtane, and Ballykealy,
and those on the west are from Kilconnor, Janeville, and Kilbricken, the
latter forming the parish boundary.
Generally speaking, I have found the bridges, or culverts, on these
small tributary streams quite unsuited to discharge freely the quantity
of water which comes down in time of flood, and in most cases it will be
necessary to build new ones, either from want of breadth in the existing
waterway at those places, or from the inferior workmanship and materials
in the present structures, which would preclude the possibility of
underpinning to suit our intended deepening.
Killane to Ballintrane.
Distance 1¾ miles, fall 8 feet, or 5 feet per mile.
Killane bridge causes much obstruction, both from
its form and position. The bed
of the river in this reach is generally but 3 feet below the adjoining
lands, and near to Ballintrane bridge its relative depth is even less
than that. There is no lateral stream flowing into this part of the
river, but there are several main drains which will, no doubt, assume
the character of streams when properly deepened and extended. One will
come in immediately below Killane bridge, on the east side from
Ballykealy and Ballon direction; another on the same side, and close to
the demesne, of Kilnock; others also, through Moanmore and Kilkey, on
the west. These, and several of a similar character, are shown by red
lines upon the plans, and though not separately described in this
Report, will nevertheless be included in the estimate of cost, and form
a necessary item in the measures of improvement I shall propose.
Ballintrane to Ballynunnery Mill.
Distance 1¾ miles, fall 18 feet or 10 feet per mile.
This terminates what I designate the upper division of the Burren
district. Ballintrane is the best bridge on the river, and the breadth
of the waterway is ample; no obstruction, therefore, is due to it on
that head; but a want of depth is apparent in the foundations, and the
bridge is badly placed, especially in reference to an improved direction
in the channel.
The character of the river for this portion of its length is somewhat
different from what I have previously had occasion to describe, and the
lands along its banks stand comparatively at a higher level, so that the
injury is trifling in extent, compared with what belongs to the other
portions I have noticed.
The freedom from flood on this length is not ascribable to any improved
or less imperfect condition of the river-course itself, but rather to a
difference in the character of the lands through which it passes; they
are not so flat, and rise rather suddenly from the river’s edge, so as
to be comparatively above the influence of its overflow.
The growth of weeds in the river bed from Ballintrane, almost to
Ballinnunery, is unusually great— they have become formed into banks
almost sufficiently compact to stand upon, and seem firmly matted
together, and rooted into the soil, which here is of a strong and
gravelly nature.
Approaching Ballynunnery mill, the bottom becomes more stony, and the
rock soon appears, the escarpment of which forms the natural boundary
between the upper and lower divisions of the district before referred
to.
The small corn mill of Ballynunnery is placed near the head of this
ledge, but only 4 feet of the fall has been economized and usefully
applied.
The portion of river last described is circuitous in its course, and two
important tributary streams enter it on the ' south side, one from
Kilbricken and Ballintrane, and the other from Templepeter.
The working power of Ballynunnery mill may be easily improved, by
bringing up the fall so as to command a greater head; the site is a
valuable one, being easy of access, though in summer time the supply of
water is not good.
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