Waterways Ireland, the navigational authority for the inland navigable waterways, has launched its 10-year plan, which seeks to deliver on the enhancement, restoration and conservation of Ireland’s waterways, greenways and blueways.

Covering 690 miles of canals, rivers and lakes as well as over 375 miles of cycleways and trails by waterscapes, Waterways Ireland says it “plays a significant role in creating value for the public good – through providing increased economic, social and environmental benefits”.

This ambitious 10-year plan, which was launched last week, provides strategic vision for reimagining historic waterways, greenways and blueways to make them more sustainable and accessible while offering enhanced recreational opportunities for users, including watersports, angling, cycling, walking, boating and more.

More than a million people live within 10 kilometres of a waterway, meaning there is great potential for more people to enjoy these recreational opportunities.

This long-term vision will be supported by an initial investment of around €200 million in funding over the first three years of a 10 year cycle. This investment will facilitate a number of ambitious plans that will restore, enhance and further develop the network of waterways, green and blueways across the island of Ireland, while creating attractive visitor experiences on canals, rivers and walking and cycling trails for locals and visitors alike.

Commenting on the launch of the plan, Waterways Ireland CEO John McDonagh stated: “We have established a significant number of opportunities in this plan to transform and enhance Ireland’s waterways, greenways and blueways into attractive visitor experiences for locals and tourists alike, while providing added economic, social and environmental benefit to these local communities. We want to encourage more people to use our waterways and natural amenities, while conserving the cultural heritage to ensure future generations enjoy everything our waterways have to offer.”

One of the largest engineering feats ever undertaken by the organisation is the development of the Ulster Canal – a 8.5 mile distance that will see the creation of a new canal that will result in a new marina within Clones, Co. Monaghan. The project, which is currently in phase two and expected to reach completion in 2028, will receive £100 million in capital funding and create 100 indirect jobs as part of the project.

Sustainability is a central element of this plan, ensuring the future viability of these amenities for local communities and recreational users for years to come, while preserving the local natural habitats for wildlife, flora and fauna. The 10-year plan provides a directional pathway that looks to enhance and upgrade these amenities for the public good in a manner that is harmonious with the surrounding environments, supports the ecological integrity, while promoting biodiversity and eco-friendly practices.

The plan forms the basis for the future development of Waterways Ireland.

“Over the lifetime of this plan, Waterways Ireland will need to adapt and change as the organisation grows, as user needs evolve, and as new processes and technologies are deployed,” it reads.