Grand Canal Company takes over

The Barrow Navigation Company were restricted by statute from operating as carriers on their own Navigation. In 1845, the regulation was withdrawn. At that time William Colvill was the Chairman of the Barrow Navigation Company. He was also Chairman of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company, which was in competition with that company.

However, the Barrow navigation company continued to be profitable. In 1878, the Barrow Navigation Company decided to restrict its trading business to the river because the Grand Canal Company's rates were too high. As railway competition increased, traffic on the Barrow Navigation decreased. It was decided by the Barrow Navigation Company to sell out to the Grand Canal Company. The proposed selling price of £54,000 was rejected. The Barrow Navigation Company in turn, rejected an offer of £48,000. Eventually, in 1894 it was sold at a much lower figure of £30,000.

On July 1st 1894, all the rights of the Barrow Navigation Company were taken over by the Grand Canal Company. They then controlled all the waterways in the South of Ireland. The Grand Canal Company used newly acquired barges and steamers to carry cargo on the waterways. It was expected that the takeover would facilitate a much improved service, and there were even plans to provide leisure trips on steamers.

However, the plans were not fulfilled because of ongoing difficulties with navigation. Besides, the railways were in the ascendant, and had gradually taken over most of the trade from the Barrow.