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The Shannon-Erne Waterway
The International Fund for Ireland has been involved with the restoration of the Shannon-Erne Waterway (formerly known as the Ballinamore - Ballyconnell Canal), which has linked the River Shannon with Lough Erne, since 1989. The Fund’s initial contribution allowed for the undertaking of the preliminary feasibility studies and site investigations. In addition, its early support for this project facilitated the identification and sourcing of other components of the total funding package. The canal re-opened in 1994.
In addition to providing assistance of over €7.5 million / £5,136,986 to the refurbishment of the canal, the IFI has supported ancillary initiatives such as environmental and landscaping projects, the development of leisure facilities on and in the area of the canal, and a proactive marketing strategy, vital to the long-term sustainability of the overall project. To date, the IFI has committed almost €10 million / £6.8m to the restoration of the canal and other related projects.
These schemes have helped to make the Shannon-Erne Waterway “one of the most successful tourism projects ever completed in Ireland”, and this success has in turn been a powerful stimulant to local economic growth.
As well as the economic benefits, the Fund also regards the linking of Ireland’s two main river systems as a very positive and resonant symbol of what it is striving to achieve through its own programmes. Furthermore, the project’s implementation involved an extensive network of contact and co-operation between a diverse range of stakeholders on both sides of the border during some of the darkest days of the Troubles. The Fund was delighted to be able to work with all of these interested parties, and with the other major funders, particularly the European Union, in building an amenity which has brought and will continue to bring many benefits to the people who use the waterway, and more importantly, to those who live by it.
To find out more about the Shannon-Erne Waterway, visit www.iwai.ie
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