Old Dredger Propeller Installed As New Waterford Monument

A new monument has been unveiled at Merchant's Quay in Waterford.

Waterford City & County Council led the project, which saw a large refurbished propeller from the old port dredger SS Port Láirge installed on the roundabout at Merchant's Quay.

Waterford Civic Trust facilitated the agreement between the Port of Waterford Company and Waterford City and County Council.


Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Jason Murphy said: "In 1907, the SS Port Láirge dredger was acquired by Waterford Harbour Commissioners to replace the Urbs Intacta which had seen service on the river for many years. Taking its name from the Irish name for the city, the SS Port Láirge was built at the Dublin Dockyard Company and in her day was the most modern vessel afloat, capable of carrying 500 tonnes of silt.

"Affectionately known to the people of Waterford as the 'Mudboat' the SS Port Láirge worked up and down the quays of Waterford for just over seventy-five years until 1983, keeping the River Suir open and the port berths free of mud and silt. The SS Port Láirge was the last working steamship of her type in these islands."