Kildare IWAI, founded in 1984, has an interest in the waterways from Lock 12 at Newcastle Road to Lock 20 at Ticknevin on the Grand Canal Main Line, the Naas and Corbally Canals, the Milltown Feeder and south on the Barrow Line as far as Lock 22 at Glenaree. On the Royal Canal, Kildare IWAI covers the area from Confey near Leixlip west to Kilcock.
IWAI Kildare promote and support
- the use, maintenance and development of the inland waterways of Kildare
- the restoration to good order and maintenance in good order of Kildare canals
- the fullest use of Kildare canals by both commercial and recreational traffic, provided such is not injurious to the environmental health of the waterways and surrounding areas
- any proposal which may be calculated to maintain or improve Kildare waterways
- the improvement of the navigations, moorings and other works on and adjacent to the waterways
We also oppose by appropriate action
- the abandonment or neglect of Kildare canals
- the pollution of our canals, the obstruction of canals by fixed bridges, aqueducts, overhead cables or otherwise
- the obstruction of towing paths, or any other action calculated to injure or destroy the navigation or amenities of the canals in Kildare
Working in collaboration with other IWAI groups and other organisations, we
- contribute to guide books, charts, maps and other literature for use by those using the canals
- foster interest in and knowledge of Kildare canals by distributing information to our members and the public
For our members, we
- organise visits to places of interest on the waterways including water-borne journeys
- represent the interests of boat owners in all matters pertaining to the canals
- organise, engage in, and sponsor boat rallies, exhibitions, displays, festivals, carnivals, sports, hobbies and entertainments
Direction for IWAI Kildare
During a Round Table discussion held in 2019, attendees set forth a direction for IWAI Kildare over the next 3-5 years. This took the form of a prioritised set of objectives with some suggested actions on how to deliver these objectives.
| Objective | Action | |
| 1 | Open Corbally Canal | Public relations campaign – print, on-line and graphic |
| Talk to TDs and Councillors | ||
| 2 | Raise profile of IWAI Kildare | Interact with stakeholders |
| Improve Branding | ||
| 3 | Hold Branch Open Day | Advertise ++ |
| 3 | Continue to enjoy boating, etc | Run good rallies |
| Run small boat rallies – Pollardstown, Corbally | ||
| 4 | Increase Liveaboard members | Engage with Liveaboard communities |
| Offer discounted fee for first-time members | ||
| 4 | Examine, photograph and record weed and other issues on canals | Engage with NavWatch |
Take a look at some of our past Events and this year’s Calendar.
Kildare Waterways
IWAI promote safety on the water and the wearing of an appropriate PFD
Personal Flotation Devices for Adults and Children – Guidelines
