Home News New study to identify canals’ potential

New study to identify canals’ potential

Friday, 27 March 2009

WATERWAYS Ireland, in conjunction with Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland, is undertaking a study to identify the recreational, tourism and commercial potential of the Royal and Grand Canals. The project will seek to examine existing activities on the canals and identify achievable projects. It is also hoped the study will establish the necessary investment and maintenance framework for the Dublin city canals. Martin Dennany, director of marketing and communications at Waterways Ireland, said the study would identify an overall vision for the development of the two canals. “It will identify recreational, tourism and commercial projects for agreed sections of the canals, as well as creating a framework for investment, development and maintenance of the canals,” Mr Dennany told Northside People. “A long list of potential projects regarding the canals will be drawn up as a result of this study, and to achieve the best results, we decided to invite Dublin City Council and Bord Fáilte to also partake in the study.” Mr Dennany said a lot of taxpayers’ money had already been spent on the Royal and Grand Canals.  “Hopefully, the study will identify how the best return can be gained from that investment,” he stated. “We want to attract a far greater number of people to use the canals than is currently the case.” Mr Dennany said some of the best coarse fishing in Europe already exists on the canals. “We’ll be looking at innovative ideas like linking them up with the Luas,” he added.  “Maybe people could take a barge trip on one of the canals and then return home by taking the Luas.” Charlie Lowe, Dublin City Council Area Manager, said consultation is an essential part of the study. This includes collecting information and views on the current and potential levels of usage, and types of use in and beside the canals, as well as the views and issues related to their non-use. “An online survey was created to help with this consultation process,” stated Mr Lowe. “Interest groups were also targeted as part of this consultation process, most of whom completed the questionnaire or had telephone conversations or face-to-face meetings with the study consultants. “Using the feedback from the consultation strategy and client liaison, a long-list of potential projects for specific sections of the canal has now been drawn up.”  Mr Lowe added that these projects will then be ranked against an agreed set of criteria, and accompanied with an action plan for implementation and management of the projects. It is anticipated that a report will be available by April. After that there will be a further period of consultation on the proposals.