One of its primary roles is that of a pusher craft and the Water Witch features ease of handling and excellent manoeuvrability, with the craft capable of turning 3600 within its own length, capable of pushing up to 35 tons minimum deadweight and with a minimum bollard pull of 1.5 tons. The vessel was also required to have a minimal draft to navigate shallow sections of the River Bann and be easily transported by road.

Main dimensions of the vessel are 8.20m LOA, a breadth of 2.95m, a maximum operational draught 0.90m and lightship displacement of 12.5 tons.

The front end loader arm has a maximum lift capacity of 1,000kg to a height of 3.80m.

Featuring a general purpose loader, the vessel can operate a range of attachments for lifting, personnel access, debris and aquatic weed removal. It is capable of dredging to a depth of 3.65m below the waterline and is fitted with removable deep dig arms and a 4 in 1 bucket. The unique dredge system allows the vessel to operate without the requirement for spud legs, enabling the operator to work without damaging sensitive clay linings.

Dollaghan was built to Sea Fish Industry Authority (SIFA) construction standards for fishing vessels up to 15m registered length and issued with . .

. . Construction and Final Outfit Certificate. It was additionally certified to the MCA Code of Practice of Small Commercial Motor Vessels Category 3 with Survey undertaken by the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA). The hull is constructed from 6mm Lloyds Grade A plate. Paint and anti-fouling was supplied by Sigma Coatings.

The engine, supplied through Finnings Power Systems, is a Perkins six cylinder M185 turbo unit linked to a PRM1000D gearbox with a 3:1 reduction driving a heavy duty manganese bronze 33in diameter powerflow propeller, producing a maximum speed of 8.5 knots. The sterngear and propeller were manufactured by CJR Propulsion of Southampton. Engine cooling is via a patented keel cooling arrangement to enable the craft to work in turbid/shallow waters and weed without blockages.

The front end loader can be fitted with a range of attachments, including a work platform providing a safe operator access base height of 3.8m above the waterline with safety gate, toe rail and harness points. All attachments are changed over quickly using a quick release euro-lock system and are operated by a single lever control.

Steering is via solenoid hand control and conventional wheel with hydraulic steering controls and cylinder supplied by Wagner Engineering.

Electrics are 24v with two sets of 2 x 12v batteries and a change over switch. Solar panels from Ampair Natural Energy located on top of the deckhouse are provided to keep batteries topped up.

Pusher knees with heavy duty D section marine fender supplied by Technix Rubber and Plastics protect the bow, whilst side mounted Keruing wooden fenders provide side protection as they allow the vessel to run along quay walls. The fenders are removable for ocean shipment.

The aft deck features a versatile flat working area with a flush engine hatch and lashing points for stowage of cargo.

A PTO to suit the customer's existing hydraulic tools and 6in hydraulic pumps were provided to the stern.

Marine environmental protection is a serious consideration for the builder and the vessel was specified with Panolin'HLPSYNTH' biodegradeable hydraulic oil.

A Wavestream 2000 bilge clean system supplied by Halyard Limited was also installed as standard.

The steel wheelhouse is fitted out to accommodate five crew.

Electronic equipment includes a VHF with DSC capability, echo sounder, compass, radio telephone, remote search lights, navigation lights and horn. Safety equipment to MCA Category 3 includes a six person Zodiac liferaft supplied by Liferafts International.

Liverpool Water Witch built Dollaghan in four months for the Rivers Agency and undertook pre-delivery trials in Liverpool before the vessel was transported by low loader to Northern Ireland.

MJ Information No: 22013