Welcome to the website of the Kildare Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI), the voice of waterways users and enthusiasts in Kildare. Whether you enjoy architecture, boating, botany, cruising in company, cycling, fishing, heritage, history, living on board, walking, wildlife, participating in community events and rallies or just getting away from it all, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the picturesque waterways of Kildare.  About Us

The IWAI is currently battling to safeguard the future of the waterways for all users of the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal and the Barrow Navigation in Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath.

Heritage Bill 2016 – April 2018

“An Act to amend and extend the Wildlife Act 1976, the Canals Act 1986 and the Heritage Act 1995 and to provide for related matter”

Following extensive consultation with the members of Seanad Éireann & Local Authority Councillors as well as officials from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the IWAI voice has been strongly presented in the Heritage Bill. 

Tuesday 5 December 2017 – Meeting of the Joint Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

In attendance:
Session A: Representatives from the Arts Council
Session B: Representatives from Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Hedge Laying Association of Ireland, Birdwatch Ireland, Inland Waterways Association of Ireland

Webcast Recording  The Heritage Bill discussion starts one-third of the way into this recording

A further meeting took place with Éamon Ó Cuív TD who has indicated support for some amendments.  IWAI will now contact TDs along the canal corridor to secure further support. 

Heritage Bill 2016 – Committee Stage – Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs – April 25 2018 – amendments 1 to 17 debated