An ambitious action plan has been launched to drive forward blueways across the island of Ireland.

Blueways encourage the the use of lakes, canals, rivers and sheltered coastal environments for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, walking and cycling while connecting with nature and heritage.

They are aimed at the low to no-skilled ‘dabbler’ and therefore activity providers, eateries, accommodation and attractions all perform a key role in animating the experience.

There are currently four accredited blueways in Ireland: the Boyne Blueway, Suir Blueway in Tipperary, Lough Derg Blueway and now the Arranmore-Burtonport Blueway in Donegal.

The three-year Blueway Partnership Action Plan sets out key actions to ensure the successful development, promotion, management and maintenance of additional high-quality blueways so that locals and visitors can consistently and sustainably enjoy animated experiences on or close the water.

Consisting of Fáilte Ireland, Sport Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, the Blueway Partnership has the stated ambition to grow the network of accredited blueways from four to 10 by 2025.

To reflect this, a key initial step has been the establishment of new Blueway Coordinator and Development Advisor roles which will provide the dedicated resource required to support the delivery of the Action Plan and the Blueways Partnership. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been appointed to this role.

Along with a sustained effort to develop more blueways, the Action Plan also highlights the need to also support the management, promotion and animation of existing blueways.

According to its authors, the Action Plan also ensures the Blueway Partnership is well positioned to respond to the growing public demand for quality infrastructure close to water and nature.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on and users of the Erne System in the Enniskillen area that the power bollards at the Round ‘O’ and Carrybridge will be isolated on Wednesday 8 November for the winter period.

Power will be reconnected at the start of the 2024 boating season, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that the waiting jetty at the Railway Bridge in Limerick has been relocated to George’s Quay.

The jetty will be reinstated to its original location in March 2024 in time for the end of the winter period on Ireland’s inland waterways.

Boat owners and watersport enthusiasts have expressed concern over proposed new bye-laws for Ireland’s inland waterways, according to RTÉ News.

Afloat.ie previously reported on the public consultation over the proposed bye-law changes for the canals and Shannon Navigation, which closes today (Friday 27 October).

Waterways Ireland says over 600 submissions have been received in this first phase of consultation.

“We’ve had very good feedback from the public and from stakeholders,” said Paddy Harkin, inspector of navigation at Waterways Ireland. "We want to have bye-laws that will be fit for purpose for the next 20 to 30 years.”

But there are fears in some corners over such proposals as changes to mooring times and rules, as well as a €200 registration fee for businesses operating on the Shannon.

RTÉ News has more on the story HERE.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that public jetty access at Acres Lake in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim is closed as of Monday 23 October until Friday 15 December as a result of a planned maintenance works to the timber access jetty.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessel on the Grand Canal that due to the ongoing works at Shannon Harbour, passage through Locks 35 and 36 will only be possible by prior arrangement with the Waterway Patroller.

This system will be in place until Tuesday 21 November, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Operation of the locks will be controlled by the Waterway Patroller and only during working hours, as follows:

• Until 31 October: 9.30am to 4.45pm (lunch break 1-1.30pm).
• 1 November to 15 March: 9.30am to 2pm (lunch break 1-1.30pm).

To arrange passage through Locks 35 and 36, use the following numbers:

• For passage from Monday to Sunday (excluding Friday), call 087 245 6587.
• For passage on a Friday, call 087 245 6609.

Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels on the Grand Canal that the Barrow Line will be closed to vessel traffic from McCartney’s (Lock 24) to Moore’s (Lock 25) to enable essential quay wall refurbishment at Bell Harbour in Monasterevin.

This closure will commence on Wednesday 1 November for a period of around 18 weeks, until early March 2024.

Mooring in Bell Harbour and through navigation will not be possible in this area for the duration of the works. Vessels moored in Bell Harbour will be accommodated on the 24th and 26th levels during this period.

Vessels in Bell Harbour are requested to vacate the harbour and 25th level by Tuesday 31 October.

Any craft remaining in this area on 1 November will be removed to alternative mooring on the 26th level by the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Erne System to expect reduced water levels throughout the navigation as the Lower Lough Erne is drawn down for the winter period.

In keeping with water level management protocols, levels will be reduced, weather permitting, to a minimum of 149 feet (above Poolbeg Ordnance Datum) in anticipation of increased precipitation during late autumn and winter.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways reminds masters to be aware of the following:

• Navigation: To reduce the risk of grounding, masters should navigate on or near the centreline of the channel, avoid short cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers.
• Mooring of Vessels: Masters should be aware that water levels may change rapidly and that mooring lines will require adjustment. Therefore, mooring lines should be checked regularly.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and inland waterways users that Portora Lock on the Erne System is currently operation.

The lock will be operated daily from 8am to 10.30pm. During these times, a lock-keeper will be present and will complete the operation of the lock gates.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels on the Grand Canal that culvert replacement works will be commencing on the summit level from Thursday 2 November.

These works — some 450 metres east of Lock 19 in Lowtown, Co Kildare — are to replace a damaged culvert under the canal and are expected take around 10 weeks.

Navigation will not be possible in this area for the duration of the works, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.