Ireland's inland waterways are not being used to their full potential, according to the Heritage Council. It calls for a new agency to oversee their strategic management.
A policy paper published by the council yesterday said the multiplicity of Government departments and authorities with responsibility for aspects of inland waterways "has led to a lack of cohesion". One consequence is "a considerable network of derelict canals".
The council acknowledges the benefits likely to accrue should a North-South implementation body on waterways be formed, as planned, to improve their management and restoration. It notes the already high level of co-operation between Duchas-Waterways and the Rivers Agency in the North.
"Our inland waterways were quite rightly singled out as a key area for cross-Border collaboration. Their role in linking people throughout the island of Ireland is a unique one," said council chief executive Mr Michael Starrett.
A dedicated waterways authority, through five-year and 10-year plans, should oversee the maintenance, expansion and marketing of the waterways network, the council recommends. While the local and recreational value of Irish inland waterways has gained increased recognition, "their potential as a catalyst for development is not being fully recognised".
The council underlines the need to monitor and promote "manmade and natural heritage values" in their broadest sense. But development must conserve the unique built heritage and ecology systems particular to Irish waterways, it says, and not allow this heritage fall into irreparable decline.
Conservation should not be seen as at odds with economic growth, added Mr Starrett. "Rather, it protects the very asset which that growth is seeking to exploit. As well as constituting important examples of heritage in themselves, our inland waterways also contain unique aspects of architectural, archaeological and wildlife heritage."
In addition to specific recommendations on individual waterways, the paper advocates the establishment of serviced sites for houseboats; the creation of designated cycleways beside waterways, provision for angling and horse riding, and the replacement of speed limit areas with "no wake zones" - areas boat and other amenity users must pass through with care so as not to disturb any wildlife or eco-system.
The days of considering a waterway as a line from A to B have to be replaced by an approach taking in various elements that have evolved as being vital to their sustainability, such as wildlife habitats, according to council chairwoman Ms Freda Rountree.
Speaking on the Barge Cafe moored at Charlemont Jetty on the Grand Canal, Ms Rountree said: "The potential of waterways as a multi-tourism resource, and an amenity for local communities, is being realised. But we point to the need for a wider focus in planning for their future development."
Mr Starrett said that following extensive consultation on the paper the need for local involvement, particularly through local authorities, was clear. This could be achieved through county development plans and the planning system itself.
The council believes the achievements in Co Fermanagh and the success of the Ballyconnell canal project - particularly in fostering rural regeneration - could be adopted as development models.
While the council strongly endorses using waterways as a catalyst for development, it stresses the need for all developments in waterway corridors, including tourism-related projects, to take into account "potential adverse effects on heritage".
The voluntary sector should also be encouraged to continue its involvement in waterways development and non-governmental organisations should be recognised as important partners by the new implementation body. The paper highlights the importance of enforcing and monitoring water quality by those bodies statutorily required to do so, but with a high degree of co-ordination with the waterway body.
The paper is the fifth produced by the Heritage Council, which it anticipates will inform Government heritage policy. It will also be an important input into a national heritage plan which the Fianna Fail/PD Coalition is committed to completing under its programme.
