The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) acknowledges the Waterways Ireland consultation period on canal use bye-laws.
The IWAI today 6th January welcomed the Waterways Ireland 2014-2016 draft Corporate Plan. Waterways Ireland is the North South body responsible for maintenance of the Inland Navigations across the whole of Ireland. An item in the draft plan is the introduction of canal bye-laws. A consultation period on
those proposed bye-laws was also launched today, 6th January 2014.
Carmel Meegan, President of the IWAI, encourages all members of the IWAI and the general public to engage in the consultation and respond before the closing date of the 3rd February 2014 and notes that the “key objectives of the process must be to ensure that the canal regulations encourage and nurture the growth of domestic and international boat tourism on these fine navigations”. The Byelaws can be viewed at www.waterwaysireland.org/Public-Consultation or by
arrangement at Waterways Ireland Offices in Dublin Tel. 00353 (0) 1882 3301 and
Enniskillen 0044 (0) 28 66 346 214 The IWAI will prepare a response to the proposed bye-laws. IWAI Branches hold approximately 200 events each year across inland navigations. These events include Boat Rallies, Harbour Festivals, Walks, Social Gatherings, Heritage Activities; Family activities and Youth focused events.
ENDS
Who to contact for further information Gregory Whelan, IWAI Mobile: +353-87-7996356
Tel: +353-505 36043
Email: editor@iwai.ie
Notes to Editor
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The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) is a voluntary body representing over two thousand enthusiasts, with 22 branches across the island of Ireland. The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) is an energetic, fun, voluntary organisation with members from all corners of the Island of Ireland, all sharing a keen and passionate enthusiasm for the waterways of Ireland. The IWAI advocates the use, maintenance, protection, restoration and improvement of the inland waterways of Ireland.
It was formed in 1954 to promote the development, use and maintenance of Ireland’s navigable rivers and canals. When the Shannon was almost totally
undeveloped for pleasure boating, the IWAI fought the building of low bridges, thus ensuring the development of the river as a national asset.
In the 1960s IWAI successfully fought plans to close the Circular Line of the Grand Canal in Dublin. Later the association campaigned for the reopening of what is now the Shannon-Erne
Waterway (formerly the Ballinamore & Ballyconnell Canal) and the Naas Line of the
Grand Canal. From the 1970s members
of the IWAI played a key part in the
restoration campaign for the re-opening of the Royal Canal between Dublin and the Shannon. More recently, our campaign to re-open the Ulster Canal has borne fruit with the announcement that work is to begin on re-opening the section from the Erne to Clones.
Its members are actively participating in restoration projects on the Boyne, Newry and Lagan Canals.
National Website Details
www.iwai.ie