#INLAND WATERWAYS - A new study on the River Barrow and its environs recommends the development of "activity hubs, tourist trails and new angling and boat facilities", The Irish Times reports.

Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland commissioned the Barrow Corridor Recreational, Tourism and Commercial Identification Survey to find ways to exploit the area's "undeveloped potential" for tourism.

The survey covered the river itself as well as its estuary and the Barrow branch of the Grand Canal. Its findings pointed to a number of areas where development is already being actioned, such as in boating and cruising, nature and wildlife, and angling.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan, who launched the study in Carlow yesterday, hailed the co-operation of the agencies and county councils involved.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.

Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan is set to be quizzed over plans to deal with the toxic waste site on Haulbowline island in Cork Harbour, the Irish Examiner reports.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, two weeks ago the European Commission gave the Government three months to take action over the the former steel works, which contains an estimated 500,000 tonnes of toxic metal waste and cancer-causing materials.

The minister will meet Cork County Council on 9 May after an official request to discuss the matter was made by Cobh independent councillor Seán O'Connor.

Labour councillor John Mulvihill said locals would not be happy until the waste was removed and a study conducted to examine if there was any link between the site and high cancer rates in the area. 

The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE. See also our story Hot site in the harbour.

New Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has signed off on a key foreshore licence to Shell Ireland, paving the way for the completion of the controversial Corrib gas project.

The Irish Times reports that the licence, subject to conditions, consents for the construction of the final 8km section of pipeline linking the Corrib gas field to Shell's onshore terminal at Ballinaboy. Co Mayo.

The scheme already has approval from An Bord Pleanála, and consents approved by former acting energy minister Pat Carey. But An Taisce has sought a judicial review of the planning decision, due before the High Court on Tuesday.

Still required by the developer before any work can begin are a revised emissions licence from the Environmental Protection Agency and a safety permit from the Commission for Energy Regulation under the Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Act 2010.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.