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Speech by IWAI President on acceptance of the key for Dundovin from RNLI

On November 26th, 2020, 16 months ago, Owen Medland RNLI Lifesaving Lead and I virtually turned the sod on Dunrovin, in Clogherhead, and at the Grand Canal 12th Lock respectively.

I am honoured as IWAI President to be here physically on the site of our new IWAI HQ for this key handing over ceremony today. The journey toward this momentous occasion has required resilience, perseverance, and dedication. We have been faced with Brexit and a global pandemic no less, but we have pulled through.

This key is symbolic of so many things. It is the key to secure IWAIs future while honouring its past. Dunrovin, IWAI HQ stands on the site that was generously bequeathed by Harry and Cynthia Rice whose love of the waterways and place in history as founding members of our Association is legendary.

It is the key that unlocks IWAIs potential for future growth. Dunrovin is our spiritual home, and it is fitting that we share this site with the RNLI as both of our organisations now have certainty while ensuring long-term benefits for all waterways users.

It is the key that signifies arrival and independence as today we have finally fulfilled our ambition to have a home for the IWAI on the site where our all-Ireland organisation was first conceived.

I am very proud to be receiving the key to Dunrovin, IWAI HQ from RNLI Regional Estates Manager Chris Scully and RNLI Lifesaving Lead Owen Medland.

As I receive the key, I am humbled and in awe of the efforts of all involved in bringing our Strategic Partnership Project with the RNLI to fruition.

To the members of IWAI’s Dunrovin Development Subcommittee led by Martin Donnelly, to the RNLI in Poole, Swords and the project team and contractor on site here in Coosan, and to all who supported the delivery of this project, from within and outside of IWAI, I thank you all.