Waterways Ireland outline improvements and changes for Shannon Catchment during Offaly Co Co meeting

WATERWAYS Ireland outlined a number of significant improvements and changes for the Shannon Catchment and Grand Canal system during the January meeting of Offaly County Council.
Éanna Rowe of Waterways Ireland said the new Meelick Weir walkway near Banagher is massively popular and is attracting many thousands of visitors every year.
He said Waterways Ireland, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the ten Local Authorities within the region, have developed and progressed the Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon & Shannon Erne Waterway. “The aim,” he pointed out, “is to reposition the Shannon and Shannon Erne as a destination of international scale and singularity at the centre of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.”
He said a number of Discovery Points will be placed along the Shannon and Shannon Erne Waterway. “These are one-off, specially developed 'signature' pieces and will vary widely. They will include artistic or designed sculptural responses to stories, and/or interventions that require specialist techniques.”
He briefly discussed the Banagher Marina and Environs Masterplan, a plan which will incorporate architecture, tourism and community. “Its vision is to utilise and enhance the unique character and location; create a walkable, attractive and active area; and an improved linkage to Banagher's town centre.”
He pointed out that Shannonbridge Marina will also be redeveloped. “This will increase mooring capacity by 50% (eight additional berths); will provide a Canoe Step; and provide a berth for a Boat Tour Operator.”
Éanna told the meeting that the Design and Environmentals of the Banagher and Shannonbridge Marinas plan are complete; a planning application will be lodged during the first quarter of 2024. “The funding has been secured and if we get planning permission then the installation will happen during Quarter 4 of 2024.”
He added that 80% of the Grand Canal Greenway upgrading work has been completed between Offaly and Dublin. Considerable work is currently ongoing in Kildare and Dublin and it's expected that the whole route will be completed in 2025. “It's estimated it will have a very big economic impact. In year one of the Royal Canal Greenway having been completed there was an economic dividend to the region of €17.2 million.”
Éanna also briefed the meeting on the revision of the Bye Laws for the Canals and the Shannon Navigation. There was a 133 day Public Consultation process for the proposed Bye Laws. The Consultation closed on October 27th, 2023. There were 933 submissions, on the basis of which the proposed Bye Laws were revised. The subsequent Consultation Report was published on January 15th, 2024. Éanna said the Bye Laws were 30 years old and needed to be modernised.
“Under the new proposals the five day mooring period will be retained (including for a number of key harbours, including Shannon Harbour, Edenderry Harbour, and Tullamore Harbour); winter mooring will be retained; the Lock Passage Fee will be abolished; there will be an Annual Registration Fee of €200 (angling boats and boats with an engine under 30hp are excluded); and the insurance will be the standard insurance across all Republic of Ireland waterways. A Fixed Payment Notice scheme will also be introduced.
“The Canal Houseboat Permit Pricing Proposal will be as follows: Urban Serviced: €4,000 – €7,500 (over five years); Suburban: un-serviced €1,000, serviced €2,000; Rural: Serviced €1,500 Un-serviced €500.
“The Fixed Payment Notice will be €150 for breaches of the Bye Laws. If the FPN is not paid within 21 days then there will be a summons to the District Court.
“Angling on the Shannon is not within the Waterways Ireland remit. Fishing on the canals is managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland through agreement with Waterways Ireland. A Catch and Release System is in place.”
The revised bye laws are available in Libraries and on the Waterways Ireland website. A further consultation period is now underway and will close on February 26th, 2024.
Cllr Seán O'Brien congratulated Waterways Ireland on their excellent and thorough consultation process. He said the Grand Canal is extremely important for the people of Offaly. “We would like to see more boating on the Grand Canal and more boat hire taking place. I welcome the proposed enhancement project for Tullamore Harbour – it's something we've been pushing for for many years.”
Cllr Robert McDermott suggested placing more benches for seating on the Grand Canal Way. Dog poop bins would also be a good idea, he said, adding that he would like to see a link of some sort between the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal. Cllr Noel Cribbin said the Grand Canal Greenway is very popular with walkers. “Locals love it. It's been a massive success.” He added that there are 10 boats in the Edenderry area which haven't been moved for forty years.
Éanna said WI plans to develop Shannon Harbour as a boating hub. “We also want to increase the number of boat hire places, bike facilities, picnic benches and toilets in the Shannon Catchment and Grand Canal system.” He said WI is “very active” as regards removing vessels which have been abandoned. He added that there are no plans to create a waterway between the two canals as the cost would be massive, but a walking trail would be feasible. He said litter removal duties are shared by the local authorities and WI.
Cllr Tony McCormack said the Tullamore Triathlon Club can only train in the Grand Canal a limited number of months in the year due to excessive weed growth. “From March to July the club can train in the canal but then weeds under the water become too much. Perhaps Waterways Ireland might use a weedcutter and therefore allow the club to train in August, September, October? The club is also seeking something to help it get in and out of the water more easily.”
Cllr McCormack added that in general the Grand Canal is in good condition and is passable for boats. He said Waterways Ireland look after it well. He pointed out that he has no problem with reed growth; it is weed growth which he wants to see controlled.