New maritime monument at St Kearns, Saltmills

By Dan Walsh

A new maritime monument featuring the propeller of the SS Portláirge which is Ireland’s last operational steam-powered dredger, has been unveiled by Saltmills & St Kearns Community Group as a contribution to National Heritage Week.

The propeller, salvaged in 2023, was permanently installed  and officially launched on the Shore Road, overlooking Bannow Bay where the vessel ran aground in 1987, at a public ceremony yesterday (Sunday).

Speaking at the event, Cllr John Dwyer, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council praised the efforts of the heritage group. 

“It is due to your efforts in securing this crucial part of the of the steam powered dredger, that future generations will be reminded of the work that was carried out for close on 120 years to keep the Port of Waterford and the estuary clear from silt and mud,” stated Cllr Dwyer.

The famous steam dredger, the SS. Portláirge which had operated clearing Waterford Harbour since it was first commissioned in 1907 up until the mid 1980s and was sold to a private buyer after it was decommissioned but famously ran aground just off of Saltmills, while being transferred to England.

The SS. Portláirge served for 77 years in Waterford, New Ross, and Liverpool. It notably transported two Irish Provisional Government officers in 1921 and was regarded as Europe’s last working steam dredger at the time of its retirement.  

Time has taken its toll on this famous old workhorse and the local Saltmills Heritage Association were anxious to ensure that a fitting monument would be erected close to the sea wall where she finally came to rest.

The Propeller, made from cast iron, was purchased by the heritage association and has now been tastefully mounted along with a wall plaque which sets out this old girls working life right up to her demise off Wexford’s coast.

The monument was made possible through support from Wexford County Council, the Heritage Council, local community fundraising, and land donated by Tommy and Jodie Hickey (Hook Head Oysters).