Protecting and improving our waterways
Introduction
IWAI has campaigned for decades to protect and improve the inland waterways of Ireland and we continue to make our voice heard regarding any changes that impact those waterways including bye-laws, proposed developments, new bridges and much more.
In recent years, we have chosen the path of diplomacy and negotiation to achieve our aims, in particular in our consultations with Waterways Ireland in relation to the proposed Shannon and Canal bye-laws. The executive of IWAI considers this approach will achieve our aims and we continue to make progress and exert our influence on stakeholders.
And it isn’t our only fight! We are active in attending open days and making submissions to County Councils on infrastructure projects and Local Area Plans that affect our waterways.
IWAI Executive Submissions
IWAI fully supports Waterways Ireland’s application for maintenance and repair works along the Barrow Navigation Channel. We note that all three Councils of Kildare, Carlow and Laois have rightly approved these essential maintenance works. Read our letter relating to the appeals against Waterways Ireland’s Planning Application for the maintenance and repair works to the Barrow Navigation.
IWAI – An Bord Pleanála – Barrow Navigation Works – March 2025
IWAI’s submission regarding planning application at 9 Hanover Quay encroaching on Grand Canal Dock Dublin.
Read our full submissions here:
The IWAI supports Kildare Council’s vision for the Canal Quarter, with the addition of some observations which we believe will ensure a more successful delivery of this plan for the betterment of the town and it’s long-term tourism potential.
Read our full submissions here:
Click to read our submissions and communications regarding the Bye Laws:
- Key Changes to Draft Bye-Laws – Presentation to IWAI Council – October 24
- Letter to Chair JOC and Public Representatives re Proposed Byelaws – March 24
- Response from JOC to IWAI Regarding Proposed Byelaws – April 24
- Canal Bye Laws – Second Draft – IWAI Submission – February 2024
- Shannon Bye Laws – Second Draft – IWAI Submission – February 2024
“The corridor shown in the map on P11, appears to intersect the Ulster canal in an area where there are significant intact canal structures. It is essential that chosen route would not interfere with these existing structures or inhibit in any way the restoration of this waterway in the future.
Should the planned road not take the future restoration of the canal into account, or in any way compromise the built heritage of the canal, IWAI will object to any planning application for the development.”
Read our full submission here:
“Would Waterways Ireland consider proposing more fitting solutions to the relocation of the bridges? One of these bridges could have a very short move and be utilised as a permanent and appropriate lifting bridge at the site of the Newcomen Rail Lifting Bridge. It would resolve the access issue for both WI and Iarnród Eireann, and potentially be paid for by this NTA project.”
Read our letter to Waterways Ireland here:
“IWAI would be opposed to any proposal to further interfere with the Eglington Canal in a way that would impede its future restoration to navigable status.”
Read our submission to Galway County Council here:
There is considerable potential and opportunity to breathe new life into the harbour and canal in Maynooth by developing essential Greenway and Waterway services in the town.
Read our full submission here:
Dear Minister O’Dowd,
On behalf of the members of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) we,
the national executive of the IWAI, wish to bring to your attention matters of significant
concern regarding the Newry Southern Relief Road (NSRR) and the proposed fixed
bridge design for crossing the historic Newry Ship Canal…
Read our full objection here:
We welcome the opportunity to submit to Offaly County Council’s Draft Development Plan for the Tullamore Harbour complex. We feel there is considerable potential and opportunity to breathe new life into the Harbour Complex and open it to the public. But, given that funding streams may derive from the Urban Regeneration Fund, opportunities to develop and improve services for both Greenway and waterways users are vague and somewhat overlooked.
Read our full submission here:
November 24: Offaly County Council has published their Report on Submissions made regarding the Tullamore Grand Canal Harbour Masterplan
- Read their Report on Submissions by following the link.
IWAI is lobbying Waterways Ireland regarding the re-purposing George’s Dock, Dublin. George’s Dock is considered by Dublin County Council as a location for a white-water kayaking centre. However, IWAI feels there is considerable potential and opportunity to breathe new life into the Dock as a floating liveaboard community and canals tourism hub.
Read our full submission here:
The recent restoration of Bell Harbour by Waterways Ireland could mark the redevelopment of Monasterevin as a vibrant Canals’ town. The categories of “Regeneration”, “Tourism” and “Sports & Recreational Facilities” outlined in the Monasterevin Local Area Plan could all benefit positively from considered development of canal facilities.
Read our full submission here:
The Royal Canal was finally re-opened in 2010 amid much pomp, ceremony, hope and promise. Despite the potential of a route for boat tourists between the North Shannon and Dublin, and the prosperity that might bring to the towns and villages through which the canal winds it’s way, little of the
potential has yet been realised.
Read our proposal here:
Read our response to the Waterways Ireland Public Consultation regarding their draft 10 year long term plan here:
IWAI Branch Campaigning
IWAI Kildare Branch website is an excellent resource with items including Recent News, Keeping Our Canals Open, Threats To Our Canals and timeline & the history of the bye-laws.
IWAI Archives
Our objections to the canal bye-laws being sought by Waterways Ireland trace their routes back to 2008. We look back on our previous canal bye-law campaigns under past presidents upto 2016.