Dublin Docklands could be ‘giant urban playground’ under new waterways plan
Waterways Ireland 10-year plan to invest €200m in first three years, north-south body says
Dublin's Docklands. Photo: Sonder Visuals / Fáilte Ireland
A section of the Royal Canal Greenway in Co Meath
Dublin’s docklands could be transformed into "a giant urban playground for people of all ages, abilities, and interests,” according to a 10-year plan published by Waterways Ireland this week.
The plan, which sets out a strategic vision for developing recreational opportunities across Ireland’s waterways, greenways and blueways, will invest €200m in its first three years.
Waterways Ireland is the cross-border body responsible for managing and developing Ireland's inland navigable waterways. It covers 1,100km of canals, rivers and lakes as well as over 600km of cycleways and trails.
"We want to encourage more people to use our waterways and natural amenities, while conserving the cultural heritage to ensure future generations enjoy everything our waterways have to offer,” said CEO, John McDonagh.
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The plan identifies the Dublin Docklands and the city’s canals as a key opportunity for development “to a standard seen in other European capitals”.
"Regionally, greater Dublin represents the most transformative opportunity to deliver for the public good,” it says. “To reimagine how locals and visitors experience and traverse the city and surrounding areas.”
The plan cites the potential for watersports, angling, cycling, walking, boating and other activities on Ireland's waterways, as well as increased EV charging, bicycle facilities and drinking water infrastructure.
A section of the Royal Canal Greenway in Co Meath
Previous projects have included the development of the 130km Royal Canal Greenway, which it says attracted 640,000 visitors in its first year, generating €17m for local communities.
This week, the greenway was awarded first place in the ‘Excellence Award’ at the 11th European Greenways Awards in Rome, Italy - beating routes including a greenway on Italy’s Trabocchi Coast and a cross-border Polish-German greenway, among others, to the win.
This year, Waterways Ireland has been involved in the Connaught Harbour marina development, the construction of the Barrow Blueway and extensions of the Royal Canal and Grand Canal Greenways.
It is also working on the development of the 14km Ulster Canal. The project, expected to reach completion in 2028, will also result in a new marina within Clones, Co Monaghan.
The waterways under the organisation’s remit include the Lower Bann Navigation, Erne System, Shannon-Erne Waterway, Shannon Navigation, Royal Canal, Grand Canal, Barrow Navigation and Ulster Canal.
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