Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Waterways Ireland has informed the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Josepha Madigan, that the Shannon-Erne waterway locks will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. as of 17 May 2018 onwards throughout the summer season. Operational hours will continue to be subject to ongoing review to ensure Waterways Ireland delivers a high quality service to waterway users in the most efficient and effective manner.

Waterways Ireland measures boat traffic by the number of lock passages. There were 1,600 lock passages at lock 1 on the Shannon-Erne waterway in 2017 and 1,439 passages at lock 16. It is expected that the 1,600 lock passages recorded will be exceeded in 2018. According to visitor monitoring devices, there were 155,273 user incidents, which is a mix of walkers and cyclists, in 2017. Waterways Ireland expects in excess of 160,000 locals and visitors to experience walking and cycling along the Shannon-Erne in 2018. One of Waterways Ireland's main goals, with the support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is to inspire more people to discover and enjoy recreational activities on inland waterways and to explore the rich environment and heritage attractions along the 1,000 km of navigation in its care.

The Shannon-Erne waterway runs between Leitrim village and just north of Belturbet and comprises 63 km of river, lake and still-water canal which links the two great waterways on the island, the Erne system and the Shannon navigation. Over the past two decades, this tranquil stretch of water has grown in popularity, particularly in the towns and villages along its length. Cruisers and barges move freely along its waters, mooring up in some of the six fully serviced public marinas found along its length.

There are 16 locks which are managed electro-hydraulically by a smart card which helps ease passage through the locks while a number of boat hire companies offer barges and cruisers for hire. Waterways Ireland currently avails of a number of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to promote the use of the Shannon-Erne waterway as well as through its own publications and website. Waterways Ireland highlights the tranquility that can be found at the heart of the Shannon-Erne waterway as well as the opportunities for walking and cycling adjacent to the waterway. Waterways Ireland highlights in particular for visitors the Ballyconnell canal walk, Ballinamore canal bank walk and cycle route, the Leitrim village to Kilclare walk and the Kingfisher cycle trail, which has its starting point in Ballinamore. Waterways Ireland also draws attention to the local mountains for the more adventurous among visitors and the myriad of wildlife that can be observed along the route. Anglers are assured of finding a paradise of fishing and several golf courses in the area are also highlighted for potential enthusiasts.

The Minister informs me that Waterways Ireland has targeted a growth rate of 5% overall and aims to achieve it through a strategic marketing plan. "Head into the Blue" and "Blueway do it your way" are the taglines used to promote the Shannon-Erne blueway which showcases a staggering 70 km of paddling trails from Leitrim village to Belturbet while connecting with the Erne system at Crom Estate. Along with its partners, Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, the National Trails Office and Canoeing Ireland, Waterways Ireland markets 15 individual paddling journeys on lakes, rivers and canals. Trail heads, access points and services are all shown on downloadable maps available on the Waterways Ireland website. The paddling trails are complemented by 30 km of walking loops and linear trails along with 12.5 km of superb cycling options around Ballinamore. In addition to the marketing of the Shannon-Erne waterway itself, Waterways Ireland also promotes accommodation and culinary options in the surrounding areas.

The spring campaign to market the Shannon-Erne blueway for 2018 ran across national radio, national and regional press, both print and online, as well as across social networks and Waterways Ireland's website. It included familiarisation trips for journalists to the Shannon and Erne systems. Waterways Ireland's extensive events programme delivers new events on the Shannon-Erne waterway, encouraging greater spectator and participants to the waterways.

The development of the brochure "The Life Aquatic" focused on the Shannon-Erne system and the delivery of business to activity and hospitality providers along its length. The brochure also had an online persona and was shared and promoted across social media networks, providing people with lots of reasons to stop, stay and explore.

In line with Project Ireland 2040, the Minister, Deputy Madigan, and staff of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht are striving to protect the natural heritage which provides the setting and inspiration for our island's creative output. Critical investment in our inland navigable waterways will benefit both rural communities and our national tourism. Deputy Madigan's Department will continue to facilitate, support and assist the work of Waterways Ireland in this endeavour.