Inland Waterways Association of Ireland

Gregory Whelan –President

Ulster Ulster CanalCanal

What is the IWAI?

• Voluntary Body

• AdvocatesUseMaintenanceProtectionRestorationAppropriate Development

Of the Navigable Inland Waterways of Ireland

What we do • Campaign for services & facilities• Work in harmony with local groups such as An

Taisce, local Chambers of Commerce, Community Development Assocs.

• Seek to restore navigations• Work with similar organisations to promote

safety afloat• Provide work parties• Engages with Government both Nationally and

Locally

Our Members• Over 4,000 in 22 Branches – North and

South – an all Ireland organisation

• Two Main interestsConservationRecreation

• Members includeBoaters, Sailors, Walkers, Anglers,

Canoeists, People interested in Archaeology and Ecology.

• Not just a boating organisation

Inland Waterways - What Are They ?

• Not Coastal or Offshore • Usually Non-Tidal• Navigable Lakes & Rivers• Man-Made Canals

Lower Tinnehinch LockBarrow NavigationCo. Carlow

Early Canals - c.1730:1750

• Newry Canal

• Tyrone Navigation

Shannon Navigation – Victoria LockShannon Navigation – Victoria Lock

Royal Canal, BallynacargyRoyal Canal, Ballynacargy

Ballinamore & Ballyconnell CanalBallinamore & Ballyconnell Canal

Waterways Heritage• Created to provide a transportation

infrastructure

• Canal builders vision failed to materialise

• Left us with unique heritageNatural features & eco-systemsMan-made artifacts

• Wide appealBoating, fishing, walking, history etc.

The Challenge

• To preserve and protect the unique heritage of our waterways while allowing it’s use and enjoyment.

IWAI Millennium Rally, Athlone

November 1969: Campaign To Save The Circular Line Of the Grand Canal

Stimulating local business

Generating Use

Bringing Life to the Royal Canal

The Green And Silver Project

Green and Silver

• To encourage people to make the Circular journey, Dublin Branch commissioned a certificate and plaque to be awarded to vessels completing the route.

• We’ve taken the liberty of naming the route the Green & Silver route

• A total of 29 boats completed the journey in 2011 with another 20 or so en-route, some just setting out on a multi-year voyage, others planning an early assault on the route in 2012. 

Working with local Communities

• Float to the Fleadh – Tullamore

• Clean up Groups

• Working with local festivals – Athy, Robertstown, Endenderry, New Ross

• Over 200 events across Ireland each year

• National Volunteering Week May 2012 Waterways Clean up focus

Phizzfest

In conclusion

• Waterways are not just linear parks

• Part of the community

• Provide enjoyment to different user groups

• Source of local employment and stimulate investment

• Attractions for visitors both on and off the water

• Need commitment and ownership from the community

Website:www.iwai.ie

INLAND WATERWAYS NEWS

Published Quarterly

Thank You