The Canal in Decline
Canal Account Book
Reproduction of a page from Millmount Account Book depicting details of the River Boyne Company's transactions with Millmount. Dated 1790.
By permission of Michael J. English, Chartered Engineer.Canal Account Book
By permission of Michael J. English, Chartered Engineer.
By permission of Michael J. English, Chartered Engineer.
Canal Account Book
Reproduction of a page from Millmount Account Book depicting details of the River Boyne Company's transactions with Millmount. Dated 1790.
By permission of Michael J. English, Chartered Engineer.The River Boyne Company took control of the canal in April 1800. The company earned money from charging tolls on cargoes. Some of the money earned was spent on improvements and upkeep. However, the toll money was never enough to keep the company in profit or even to pay the debts incurred through building the canal in the first place. A general decline in trade and agriculture in the late 1800s also made it difficult to keep the canal up and running.
The Ramparts, Navan
The Ramparts, Navan. A bridge can be seen in the background. In the foreground is a canal lock.
By permission of Michael J. English, Chartered Engineer.The Ramparts, Navan
By permission of Michael J. English, Chartered Engineer.
By permission of Michael J. English, Chartered Engineer.
The Ramparts, Navan
The Ramparts, Navan. A bridge can be seen in the background. In the foreground is a canal lock.
By permission of Michael J. English, Chartered Engineer.Gradually, railways took over the transportation of people and goods from the network of canals. Railways were more efficient and profitable. The Boyne Canal fell into serious disrepair and has been derelict since the 1920s.
Recently, the canal's towpath has become popular for walks. Perhaps some day the canal will be repaired and made accessible again for boating trips and holidays.