Lorraine Nugent

Waterways Ireland is the Navigation Authority for over 1000km of lakes, rivers and canals in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Waterways Ireland manages and promotes the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway. Employing over 380 people, Waterways Ireland was established in 1999 after the British Irish Agreement and is one of five cross-border bodies. Since inception, Waterways Ireland has invested in improving the waterway infrastructure including moorings, jetties, harbours and service blocks. The restoration of the main line of Royal Canal was completed in 2010 and planning permission is currently being sought for the restoration of the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Clones. Waterways Ireland has established partnerships with Local Authorities, LEADER partnerships, Failte Ireland and others to research, compile and implement Product Development Studies which provide a development pathway for tourism and recreation along the waterway corridors. In conjunction with Failte Ireland, Waterways Ireland is joint chair of Lakelands & Inland Waterways a 5 year product development and marketing strategy. Working with Failte Ireland, the former Shannon Development, Local Authorities and Tourism Ireland, investment in the lakeland corridor of over €3million has been leveraged. Following a midterm review the strategy is being revised and refined and is expected to deliver further for the waterway corridor.