Waterways Ireland has issued a warning to advise masters of vessels and all other users of the need to take extreme care if visiting the inland waterways navigations during the present cold weather.

Snow bound harbours and ice covered jetties in particular are dangerous to walk on or near because of the risk of slipping, tripping or falling near to the water's edge.

Sections of the Royal and Grand Canals and the Shannon Erne Waterway have restricted navigation due to ice accumulation.

Where water in lock chambers has frozen the public is warned not to attempt to cross over a lock in this state due to the great danger of ice cracking underfoot and being drowned in the lock.

Waterways Ireland is undertaking improvement works by way of installation of new floating moorings and realignment of aids to navigation at the public mooring facility at Terryglass harbour, Lough Derg on the inland waterways. The work is due to commence tomorrow 2nd. Dec and is expected to be finished by 24th December.

The Lakelands & Inland Waterways Strategic Plan will be launched at four locations along the inland waterways from the 25-30th November 2010. Invitations have been issued to trade and industry, elected representatives, local authorities and the media. The launch will be followed by an information seminar to build on attendees awareness of the Lakelands & Inland Waterways and the current and future priorities of the partners.
The Lakelands and Inland Waterways Initiative is a marketing, product and destination development initiative providing a targeted and coordinated approach to tourism, recreation and hospitality, focused on attracting people to enjoy and experience the area.
Covering an area from Belleek in Northern Ireland to Limerick in Ireland and encompassing a wide corridor along the Erne, Shannon-Erne and Shannon, the unique landscape of the region has lent itself to the creation of this highly attractive initiative. A partnership has been established lead by Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland with Shannon Development, Tourism Ireland, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism and the many Local Authorities making a full and ongoing commitment to the initiative.
Joint chairmen of the partnership Kevin Kidney, Fáilte Ireland and Martin Dennany, Waterways Ireland, stated "Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland have made a full and ongoing commitment to the Lakelands & Inland Waterways initiative. Working together has provided significant advantages to Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Shannon Development and Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism and facilitated a huge step forward for the marketing of this entire region"
The Marketing Manager of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism stated "The Lakelands and Inland Waterways initiative has offered an additional marketing platform for Fermanagh. It has provided opportunities to showcase the area to a wider audience. In particular it has been instrumental in funding and promoting a number of events in the County including the Lough Erne Challenge, Discover Days in Enniskillen and Lisnaskea and the Enniskillen Family Fun Day. By working with other strategic partners, the initiative reflects the importance that all of the partners place on this specific region and its excellent product portfolio"

Waterways Ireland have advised all owners and masters of inland waterways vessels that the Barrow Line of the Grand Canal between the 21st Lock at Ballyteague and the 22nd Lock at Glenaree, will be closed to navigation from 16th Nov 2010 until 17th Mar 2011 to facilitate Waterways Ireland's winter dredging programme.

The Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey T.D., today announced the approval of the granting of leases for a number of proposed developments on Dublin's canals on the inland waterways.

The developments include the construction of a cycle bridge across the Royal Canal at Spencer Dock, a boardwalk along the Grand Canal at Leeson Street and a pedestrian/cycle bridge across the Grand Canal at Lynches Lane.

The decision to grant leases to Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council for the proposed developments was taken at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh this morning. Speaking after the meeting, Minister Carey said the decision to approve the leases had the potential to further transform Dublin's waterways for the benefit of the citizens of Dublin.

Minister Carey said, "Developments like those proposed by Dublin City Council will add to the regeneration of the city and will strengthen the environmental, social and economic fabric of the capital. They will add to the quality of life of all and especially to the quality of life of pedestrians and cyclists."

John Martin, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland, the cross-border body charged with the all-island promotion and development of waterways is delighted that the Ministers have approved the granting of the leases at the NSMC.

He said "Waterways Ireland is happy to facilitate the development of these waterside amenities in the Dublin Area. We hope to work with all the local authorities on many projects in the future right across the Dublin Region."

The 2011 Inland waterways Sponsorship Programme has been announced. Waterways Ireland may, at its discretion and depending on the availability of funds, provide sponsorship (funding and support) to groups, associations, clubs or other appropriate bodies to assist with events which meet the aims of the Waterways Ireland Sponsorship Programme and enhance the use of the waterways principally for recreational purposes.

The Sponsorship Programme can not be used to fund or contribute towards capital projects such as acquiring or developing new or existing buildings, infrastructure development or acquiring/maintaining equipment.

The Sponsorship Programme is now open and you can apply by downloading the guidelines and application form below. Please read the Guidelines carefully to ensure that the application form is completed correctly and that the proposed sponsorship event meets the eligibility criteria.

Email [email protected] or Tel No +353 (0)71 96 50787

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the Waterways Ireland Sponsorship Programme is 13 December 2010 at 3pm. Incomplete or late applications cannot be assessed.

The winner of the prestigious Taste of the Inland Waterways Award was revealed this week by Georgina Campbell as "Keenan's of Tarmonbarry".
Presenting the Taste of the Waterways Award to Keenan's of Tarmonbarry, Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland stated "Keenan's of Tarmonbarry epitomises the waterway dining experience and I am delighted to present this Taste of the Waterways Award and to commend Georgina Campbell on her choice. With the recent completion of the link between the Royal Canal and the Shannon Navigation, we hope that many will take the opportunity to visit the area and to experience for themselves the delights of waterside hospitality at this fine establishment. Waterways Ireland is happy to sponsor this award and to recognise the contribution that businesses like Keenan's make to the tourism industry".
The Taste of the Waterways Award was first introduced in 2008 and runs in conjunction with "The Taste of Waterways" booklet, a publication produced by Waterways Ireland in partnership with Georgina Campbell highlighting the excellent hospitality of the waterway experience. The guide is free and updated regularly with Georgina's selection of establishments of all kinds serving food and hospitality all along the inland waterways.
Martin Dennany commenting on the guide stated "The judging criteria and standard of assessment for the Taste of the Waterways Georgina Campbell guide is very high, with selection made on merit alone: no payment is charged for entry, no payments accepted for advertising".
Georgina Campbell described Keenan's as "Just beside the bridge over the Shannon in Tarmonbarry, this well-run bar and restaurant has been a favourite watering hole for river folk for many years - and it makes a great place to break a journey between Dublin and the north-west. The range is wide, offering wholesome, hearty fare that pleases all age groups and includes very welcome traditional dishes. But it's for their steaks, above all, that people beat a path to Keenan's of Tarmonbarry - and why wouldn't they? Whether you go for a classic sirloin, a big juicy fillet, or their renowned steak sandwich, the steaks at this hospitable watering hole are not to be missed."

Irish anglers showed their dominance at the Waterways Ireland World Open Pike Fishing Classic on the River Erne at Enniskillen recently.

Bothers Eddie and Frankie Roofe from Enniskillen came tops in the boat fly event, claiming the top three spots in the standings with their catches.

In the bank event, which featured a record 103 entrants, Lisburn angler Alan Foye took top prize with a 20lb 6oz monster.

But even that catch was overshadowed on day two of the boat event, when local angler Nick Seddon caught a 25lb 15oz whopper - the biggest fish in the history of the contest.

Seddon claimed first place and a £3,000 prize, followed by Darryl Curry in second and Joe third-place McDermott, both of whom caught fish over 24lb.

The team event was taken by Team Shannon, comprising father-and-son duos Joe and Jason McDermott and Barry and Finian Darby, with a total catch of 112lb.

A turnout of 363 competitors from 17 different countries caught between them a total of 227 pike over the weekend, five of which weighed over 20lb.

Following receipt of planning permission, Inland Waterways Ireland is progressing with the development of a houseboat facility in Shannon Harbour where the Grand Canal meets the Shannon.

The result will be a serviced mooring facility in Shannon Harbour for 6-8 boats. This will include moorings, area lighting, electricity and water.

A section of the Grand Canal, from the 34th Lock to the 35th Lock inclusive, will be closed to navigation between 1st November 2010 and 14th March 2011 to facilitate the improvement works. The towpaths will also be closed during the period of the works.

The design and commissioning of the work has been undertaken by Waterways Ireland. The tenders are currently being assessed and will be awarded shortly.

Waterways Ireland celebrated the completion of the restoration of the Main Line of the Royal Canal on the inland waterways today. Celebrations began at 2pm in Richmond Harbour, Clondra, Co Longford. The official part of the event at 2pm involved the arrival of a flotilla of boats, short speeches, music and a reception This weekend there is a two day festival organised by the Clondra Branch of the Royal Canal Amenity Group.