·         Shannon Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon Region

Mr. Eanna Rowe from Waterways Ireland gave a presentation to the Members on the proposed Tourism Masterplan. This is the first time a single plan is to be put in place for the Shannon and Erne Waterways which is 370 linear km in length. He thanked the contribution of the Chief Executive, Director of Services Majella Hunt and Tourism Officer to the plan.

·         Waterways Ireland, in association with Fáilte Ireland and the 10 Local Authorities within the region, including County Roscommon, commissioned SLR Consulting and partners to develop a Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon.

·         This is the first time a single, holistic and dedicated plan of any type is being undertaken on the Shannon and Shannon Erne.

·         The objective is to reposition the Shannon as a destination of international scale and singularity at the centre of Ireland’s hidden heartlands.

o   To Identify and deliver a co-ordinated strategy and proposals that reposition the Shannon and Shannon Erne as a key tourism destination, identify world class visitor experiences; Establish a framework for tourism development; Define the areas unique tourism offering; formulate a Destination Vision; establish key themes and products for the area and identify key Strategic Initiatives to realise the tourism offering.

·         Ways to interact with the Shannon and Shannon Erne Waterways include:

o   On the water activities – cruising, boating etc

o   Exploring the Shannons culture through music, arts people and events

o   Activities and Adventures including swimming, angling, canoeing etc.

o   Exploring unspoilt hinterlands including peatlands, greenways and blueways

o   Exploring harbours, towns and villages on the river including cafes and restaurants.

·         The River Shannon has three large lakes and three distinct discovery zones.

·         There are seven interlinking strategic initiatives to catalyse the recommendations

1.       Clear messaging-  Integrated interpretation strategy (IIS) and design guide; A Shannon Signature Points Project; An interpretation Plan aligned to the IIS, a visitor experience and interpretation toolkit, an environmental code of conduct and additional marketing resources.

2.       Enhancing the On-Water Visitor experience – rejuvenating cruising experience; day boating; enhanced berthing and marina facilities; Waterbased activities; angling; blueways; tranquillity zones; small scale accommodation.

3.       Enhancing waterside visitor experiences including harbourside amenities infrastructure and development; nature viewing in forests and hinterlands; rejuvenation of lesser used waterways and enhanced usage of historic buildings along the Shannon

4.       Shannons Towns and Villages – Killaloe/Ballina, Portumna, Clondra/Tarmonbarry, Lanesboro/Ballyleague Carrick on Shannon and Drumshanbo

5.       Protecting and enhancing environmentals including adopting an ecotourism approach to future development, destination, development and rewilding plan, UNESCO Biosphere designation for Lough Ree and environs and implementing biosecurity measures for the Shannon.

6.       Improving connectivity by encouraging sustainable and slow travel, priority network of walking cycling trails, enhanced public access transport, encouraging on-water slow travel, improved local link services and developing a Shannon Discovery bus route.

7.       Building Enterprise and Community Networks by creating commercially driven tourism networks within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, building the Shannon 100 Enterprise Network and supporting building the Shannon Community

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the Plan and the Members had a number of questions for Mr Rowe:

·         Greenway to Tarmonbarry

·         Can new fishing stands be made available along the river in addition to replacing old ones

·         Are there any tourism developments proposed in South Roscommon? Hodson Bay, Clonmacnoise and Athlone are all attractions in this area.

·         Welcome opening of canals at Lough Key which will be of benefit for boating and a connection to Boyle.  Roscommon Co. Co. have received tenders for works at Doon Shore– are there any proposals for jettys for boats there?

·         What is the level of funding to support the plan? The Hidden Heartlands requires the same level of funding as the Wild Atlantic Way.

·         Would like one Authority in place to look after the River Shannon.

·         Has there been services explored with Local Link bus service?

·         The provision of Electronic Notice Boards to advertise facilities.

·         A shared Bike scheme would allow visitors from the Shannon to explore local areas.

·         Welcome funding to Hodson Bay – are hoists available for people with disabilities?

·         Great to see our own assets being developed -Are there any plans for Doon Shore and Lecarrow?

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·         Local Link hope to develop a route with provision of access to Arigna Way.

The Chief Executive thanked Waterways Ireland for the proposed plan and thanked them for the opportunity to work with the team in the preparation of the strategy. This is a very important plan and details tourism investment in the Shannon region.

Mr. Rowe responded to the questions raised:

·         Waterways Ireland are working on new design proposals  or the weir in Tarmonbarry possible provision of a boardwalk.

·         The Plan is looking at incorporating links to Cloondra, Tramonbarry and Strokestown as part of the Famine Way and have been collaborating with Strokestown Park House.

·         Angling has gone into decline in recent years the length of the Shannon and there is a need to reinvest in angling facilities and attract back the UK market.

·         WWI are working with RCC in scoping how the overall peninsula around Hodson Bay can be developed – possibly a destination in its own right.

·         The Plan is very high level but some areas have been identified for early interventions. Funding has been secured for considerable investment in Portrun in conjunction with RCC.

·         The overall plan has an estimated budget of €90m, with €30m costed to date and expect to complete the first thirty projects.  Early funding secured with Failte Ireland support and Outdoor Investment Schemes in conjunctions with the ten local authorities.  

·         Interactive information boards are being considered as part of an overall toolkit. The shared bike scheme and other similar schemes will be considered.

·         Facilities will have access for all to the water and waterside is crucial and core to the plan. These facilities are being piloted in Portumna and on the River Erne including a hoist and graded access points.

·         All 52 harbours on the waterway will be assessed for facilities.

·         The Masterplan envisages primarily the local community access to the facilities of the water as well as enhancing visitor experiences.

·         Welcome the offer of Cllr. Callaghan as chair of Local Link locally to meet with Waterways Ireland

·         The Suck is part of the geography looked at and will be assessed over the lifetime of the plan.