Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland Join Forces to Develop Tourism Along Ireland’s Inland Waterways

Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly and Waterways Ireland Acting CEO John McDonagh met today to discuss the Strategic Partnership Programme which has been agreed by both organisations.

The Strategic Partnership Programme signed today between Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland primarily focuses on the delivery of a programme of works to improve the quality of the visitor and user experience along Waterway Ireland’s waterways in Ireland including the Barrow Navigation; The Royal Canal; The Grand Canal; the Shannon-Erne Waterway and The Shannon Navigation for recreational purposes. All projects identified will complement the key brand experience propositions: Ireland’s Ancient East, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.

The partnership also includes a series of projects and initiatives aimed at cross-promotion and marketing. An example of this is the Shannon Masterplan, being led by Waterways Ireland, which will develop a sustainable international tourism destination in the Shannon Corridor which respects the nature and diversity of the environment and its people. Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland are also working on a project to encourage the local, national and international visitor to immerse themselves actively in the Dublin Canals. A consultation process on the tourism potential of the Dublin City Canals is already underway.

Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly said: “This Strategic Partnership Programme with Waterways Ireland is one of a number of partnerships that we have developed in recent years to maximise the tourism potential of our country’s best assets. The waterways are a key part of the tourism offering in rural Ireland and the Dublin region. Unlocking the incredible tourism potential of waterways such as the Shannon River which flows through so many rural communities will mean generating a huge number of opportunities and growth in local economies.”

Waterways Ireland Acting CEO John McDonagh said: “The Strategic Partnership with Fáilte Ireland is a significant step for the communities and businesses along the waterway corridors to realise the opportunities that sustainable, appropriate tourism can bring. Waterways Ireland has begun to realise that potential through our work on the Shannon Masterplan with Fáilte Ireland and the Local Authorities. It is an excellent first step in our programme and we look forward to a fruitful partnership which benefits the communities and economies across our waterways.”