Council introduces Truxor T50 to tackle invasive aquatic vegetation
The Newry Canal and neighbouring waterways are being cleared of invasive vegetation after Newry, Mourne and Down District Council introduced a specialist amphibious machine into service.
The lightweight Truxor T50 — described by the council as environmentally friendly and fitted with interchangeable attachments — has been used to cut and remove weeds, reeds and other plants that can obstruct channels, hinder water flow and affect aquatic habitats.
- Areas worked on: sections of the Newry Canal from Dublin Bridge to Ballybot Bridge, and from there to the Sugar Island Bridge; clearance has also been completed from Sugar Island Bridge to the WIN industrial estate.
- Additional use: the vehicle was recently deployed to remove aggressive weed growth from the 3.5-acre Donaghaguy Reservoir in Warrenpoint, a site popular with anglers.
- Capabilities: attachments permit cutting, dredging, raking, mowing and harvesting — enabling access to previously hard-to-reach riverbank and shallow-water areas.
Council staff have established a comprehensive work plan focused on the council's six-kilometre ship canal, using deep-water cutting tools to prepare stretches of the waterway in advance of a number of community and fishing events. The multifunctional nature of the Truxor means the same machine can be adapted for a range of maintenance tasks.
“The new vehicle has been designed for various aquatic and wetland maintenance tasks and is making its mark,”
The council's chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said the vehicle had already helped remove unsightly and invasive species across waterways, benefitting both marine life and the local environment. Council staff pictured with the machine include Brendan McCabe, Hugh Henry and Conor Quinn.
Operators emphasise that the machine's attachments allow for precise operations — cutting vegetation in deep channels and along banks without the need for larger, more disruptive plant. That precision is important on the Newry Canal, where navigation, angling and community access all rely on clear and safe waterways.
Local implications for recreation, environment and events
The clearance work has several immediate local consequences. For anglers, the removal of thick weed from Donaghaguy Reservoir should improve access and fishable water, while businesses and community groups organising events along the ship canal will benefit from clearer stretches of water and improved aesthetics.
Environmental impacts are also cited by the council. Removing invasive species can improve water flow and habitat conditions for native plants and animals, though long-term ecological outcomes will depend on continued maintenance and monitoring.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Machine | Truxor T50 amphibious vehicle |
| Primary uses | Cutting, dredging, raking, mowing, harvesting |
| Canal length | 6 kilometres (ship canal) |
| Recent reservoir work | Donaghaguy Reservoir (3.5 acres) |
Councillors and council staff have framed the purchase and deployment of the Truxor T50 as a forward-looking step for routine waterway upkeep across the district. The vehicle’s ability to access previously challenging areas means teams can now respond more quickly and efficiently to weed growth before it becomes a larger problem.
Residents and user groups with interests in navigation, fishing and riverside events are likely to watch the work closely, as ongoing maintenance will be needed to sustain the initial gains and ensure the canal remains accessible for leisure and community activities.
As the council continues its programme of clearing and monitoring, it has signalled that the T50 will form a core part of its primary waterway maintenance activity going forward.
