Leitrim Recreation Strategy: A Roadmap for the Future Development of Recreation in Leitrim Recreation Forum would like to acknowledge all those agencies, individuals, businesses and community groups that participated in the consultation, preparation, development and finalisation of Leitrim Recreation Strategy.

Leitrim Recreation Forum | 2014

Funding for the development of this strategy was received from the Leitrim Development Company Rural Development Programme which is financed by the Irish Government under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in Rural Areas.

Table of Contents

Foreword ...... 3

1. Introduction ...... 4 1.0 Defining Recreation ...... 4 1.1 The Genesis of Leitrim Recreation Strategy ...... 4 1.2 Leitrim Recreation Forum ...... 4 1.3 Methodology Used in Developing the Strategy & Forum ...... 5

2. Seven Key Themes & Priorities ...... 6 2.0 Guiding Principles ...... 6 2.1 Seven Key Themes ...... 7 Water Adventure ...... 8 Angling ...... 10 Walking and Walking Trails ...... 12 Rail to Trail Projects ...... 14 Shannon Erne Waterway ...... 16 Basin ...... 18 Land Based Activities ...... 20

3. Realising the Theme Actions & Priorities ...... 22 3.0 Cross Cutting Issues ...... 22 3.1 Implementation of the Leitrim Recreation Strategy ...... 23

1 2 Foreword

Nature has bestowed Leitrim with an abundance The Forum has now set down specific priorities of natural assets in its waterways, hills, mountains for development of the key amenities. and scenic beauty. Investment in these assets over the years - for example, canals, jetties, I am enthused by the progress already achieved. fishing stocks and stands, walkways and Waterways Ireland has now almost completed cycleways - has made them more accessible the development of a Blueway for canoing and and attractive to residents and visitors alike. kayaking along the Shannon Erne Waterway and on the Canal linking , Leitrim Village The Recreation Strategy now being unveiled sets and Carrick on Shannon and thus opening up out a roadmap for the further development of these this fast growing tourist market. The first phase recreation amenities to meet the expectations of the top class rowing facility being developed and interests of the residents of Leitrim and by Leitrim County Council in Lough Rynn is now neighbouring counties, north and south. As we accessible. progress in developing these amenities along the agreed roadmap, Leitrim has the potential to One of the most heartening developments has attract many thousands more visitors from the been the emergence of a Leitrim Tourism Providers rest of Ireland and internationally. In this way, Network with some 90 members from north and the recreation strategy can boost economic south Leitrim – this entrepreneurial network will development and jobs in Leitrim and can best be a powerful ally in the implementation of the achieve this terrific potential as part of an overall strategy and the attraction of visitors. Leitrim Tourist strategy. This strategy was commissioned by Leitrim The key amenities identified were: Development Company and was developed by SLR Consultants after detailed consultation • Walking Trails and Loops (e.g. with communities and interests throughout the Glenade uplands); county. • The Shannon-Erne Waterway as a Blueway-Greenway; It is unique in having being built from the ground • The Lough Allen Basin; up in this process. • Water and Land based recreation and adventure (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, rowing, walking, cycling, equestrian); • Angling (game, pike and other coarse angling); • Rail to Trail Greenway projects on the former Leitrim and Northern Counties rail line and the former Cavan Leitrim rail line.

The Leitrim Recreation Forum which has approved the strategy and is overseeing its implementation is a novel countywide entity in its inclusion of community representatives, entrepreneurs and providers of recreational and tourist services and from its collaboration with an Advisory Panel including Leitrim County Council Padraic A. White management, Leitrim Tourism Ltd and a wide Chairperson Leitrim Recreation Forum range of State agencies.

3 1. Introduction Seven key areas were identified throughout the 1.0 Defining Recreation project for development which encompasses all of the various aspects and activities of Recreation Rural recreation has been defined by Comhairle in Leitrim: Walking Trails, Rail-to-Trail ‘Greenway’ na Tuaithe as; Projects, Lough Allen Basin, Shannon-Erne Waterway, Land-based Recreation (walking, “those sporting, recreational and holiday cycling, equestrian, heritage, environment), pursuits based on the use of the resources of Water-based Adventure (canoeing, kayaking, the countryside and which contribute to healthy paddling, rowing, surfing, etc.) and Angling. active lifestyles. The term countryside includes land, water and air. The term recreation in this A very considerable degree of commitment has context applies to sporting and recreational been given to the development process of the activities, which operate in the countryside. It Recreation Strategy by Leitrim Development does not include activities on courses or pitches Company, Leitrim County Council and the such as golf, football, hurling, soccer, boxing, relevant statutory agencies to support and foster show jumping etc.” the efforts of the voluntary Leitrim Recreation Forum. 1.1 The Genesis of Leitrim Recreation Strategy 1.2 Leitrim Recreation Forum

Why develop a Recreation Strategy for County Following the consultation period, a group of Leitrim? active and interested individuals from community, enterprise, agencies and the local authority were Leitrim is a county of unspoilt natural beauty, invited to form a representative county-wide ranging from the coastline, through Leitrim Recreation Forum to develop the core the Uplands of North Leitrim, to the Lough Allen principles and recommendations of the Leitrim Basin and , to the drumlin Recreational Strategy. The membership of the belt from to in the south. Forum is sourced from community activists, Leitrim is a county of lakes, rivers and canals, recreational enthusiasts, recreational business bounded along its north-western boundary by sector, tourism development, policy and decision , south-western border by the makers, local and statutory authority members. and is host to the cross-border It was agreed that a participative Recreation Shannon-Erne Waterway from Leitrim village Strategy for County Leitrim, would be best to the Cavan boundary. All of these natural delivered through the Recreation Forum to assets provide a rich tapestry for development develop an agreed and prioritised Action Plan for of outdoor recreational amenities. integrated recreational development (see Table 1.1 on next page) In 2012 a baseline analysis of Tourism in Leitrim was commissioned by the County Tourism Advisory members of the Forum are those in key Forum. A recommendation of this baseline areas, who can provide requisite expertise as study was to prepare a recreation strategy required to the workings of the Forum for the county. As a result SLR Consulting (see Table 1.2 on next page) Ireland (SLR) was commissioned by Leitrim Development Company (LDC) in May 2013 to The Forum convened in October 2013 and develop a participative recreational strategy for formed six Working Groups to address the key County Leitrim, based on countryside recreation. thematic areas of recreation which had been Funding for the project was provided under the identified in the broad consultative phase. The Rural Development Programme (LEADER) Forum met in March 2014 to finalise the strategy 2007-2013. and determine priorities. 4 1.3 Methodology Used in Table 1.1: Recreation Forum Members Developing the Strategy & Forum Leitrim Recreation Forum Members The methodology adopted to define a participative Name Sector Recreation Strategy was based on inputs from Padraic White Chairperson a wide range of stakeholders working and Michelle Connolly Leitrim Dev. Co Board contributing to recreation and associated activities Brian Smyth Leitrim Dev. Co. in Leitrim, to develop a world-class recreational Philip Rooney Leitrim Community Forum destination, based on international best practice. Aidan Browne Surf Company/Surfing A range of consultative and supporting actions Shane Gallagher Angling were delivered by the consultants in the course Siobhán McGloin Glenade of scoping the Recreation Strategy for County Jim Brennan IFA Rural Dev. / Glenade Mary McKiernan Leitrim Community Forum Leitrim. Nuala McNulty Walking/Tourism Mary Bohan County Councillor A broad participative methodology was adopted, Sean Wynne OEC/VEC – Lough Allen through direct consultation and locally based Karen McManus Equestrian focus groups, to form the structures and define the Colin Regan Journalist strategy. This trust based partnership approach Gerard Lynch Trailblazers/ Biking to sustainable development which promotes Eileen Gibbons Electric Bikes the strategic planning and development of the Declan LCC/LR&SP recreation assets and the stakeholders has Teresa Lennon Heritage/walking been proven successful in the Wicklow Uplands Paddy O’Rourke Angling/County Councillor Council and the Mourne Heritage Trust. Liam Breslin Walking/Environment Rosemary Kerrigan SLNCR Rep Enda McGloin Lough Allen Implementation Sineád McDermott Leitrim Tourism Michael Fitzpatrick Angling / Fisheries

Table 1.2: Recreation Advisory Panel Members Leitrim Recreation Advisory Panel Name Sector Joseph Gilhooly Leitrim County Council Shane Campbell CEO, ICBAN Noelle Cawley Failte Ireland NW Garret McGrath Waterways Ireland Eamon McMorrow Martin Ruane Coillte John Flynn Comhairle na Tuaithe/ICSA Members of Recreation Forum visiting Fiona Wheeldon NPWS Conservation Ranger Fergus Lynch Inland Fisheries Ireland Wicklow Uplands (January 2014) Michael Hanna External Business Advisor Sean McDermott Development Co. Donal Fox Leitrim Development Co. Dr Gerry Ballantine GP/ Community Health Planning

5 2. Seven Key

Themes & Priorities Standards of Excellence

2.0 Guiding Principles This strategy is guided by best practice guidance and principles such as those set out by Comhairle The preparation of Leitrim Recreation Strategy na Tuaithe: Leave No Trace, the National Trails was informed by a series of relevant European, Office standards, etc. National, Regional and Local policies and strategies. These included but were not limited Sustainable rural recreation activity and services to the Rural Development Programme (RDP) must have a positive impact on the environment, LEADER 2007-2013, Inland Fisheries Ireland heritage and communities and addresses corporate plan 2011 -2015, Waterways Ireland landowner and user needs and concerns. Lakelands & Inland Waterways Strategic Plan 2010–2015, Comhairle na Tuaithe: Mountain Trail Maintenance Standards have been Access Scheme, National Countryside developed which are the basis for a trail Recreation Strategy, Irish Sports Council: Irish accreditation system which is administered by the Trails Strategy, National Trails Office: Guidelines National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council. for Planning & Developing Recreational Trails, All projects developed under the Recreation The Walks Scheme, Criteria for Development of Strategy will be of the highest standard possible Loop Walks and Coastal Paths, Heritage Council and will be progressed with a view to reaching the of Ireland Strategic Plan, Fáilte Ireland National National Trails Office standards and procedures. Tourism Development Strategy, Leitrim County Development Plan 2009-2015, and Tourism Baseline County Leitrim Report for Leitrim County Tourism Forum. This ensures that the strategy does not operate in a policy vacuum.

Inter County & Cross Border Co-operation

It is a requisite that inter-county/sub-regional and cross-border alliances are built at high level among and between the local authorities and development agencies, but also from the ‘bottom-up’ by proactive communities – a good example is the network being developed along the Sligo Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway line, where very considerable effort has gone into seeking landowner permissions using local community knowledge.

The Forum will seek to identify suitable collaborative projects to offer integrated multi- day recreational experience to visitors, across the canal (Shannon Erne Waterway); railways (Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Rail to Trail/ Cavan Leitrim Rail to Trail); walking (Looped Walks, Leitrim-Cavan-Ulster Ways); lakes (Melvin, MacNean, Garadice, Rynn, etc.); the coast Tullaghan/ Mullaghmore/ () and other mechanisms to enhance the natural beauty of the region for sustainable outdoor recreational and tourism projects. 6 2.1 Seven Key Themes Seven thematic areas were identified for priority action under the Recreation Strategy. The current countryside recreation assets and infrastructure of the county were reviewed in the course of the research and consultations. Water A significant amenity base is already in place Adventure for land and water-based outdoor recreation, Based Land although there is much scope for further Based Angling enhancement and development.

The most popular activities are walking, hillwalking, cycling,Leitrim angling, equestrian, rowing, Leitrim surfing, canoeing,Recreation kayaking and paddleWater boarding, Lough Recreation Walking Landwhile others enjoy the natural environmentAdventure and Allen Trails Based Based Basin ‘tranquillity’ factor that Leitrim offers.

Lough Angling MoreAllen extreme endurance sports have shown Basin Rail to a significant increase in local and visitor Shannon Shannon Walking Erne Trail Erne Rail to Trails participationWaterway over Trtheail last five years. Potholing, Waterway Projects mountain and hillPr ojectsrunning are now more popular in the Leitrim Landscape, while Operation Transformation start-up joggers and walkers are a regular sight in every Leitrim town and village. Much of these require little or no developed physical infrastructure, but events promoting such activities require management resources.

A significant base of environmental education and awareness exists in the county which complements the overall recreational product. Similarly, there is a strong community heritage base, which informs the activities available, and adds to the overall recreation experience in County Leitrim.

Wind Surfing on Lough Allen

7 Water Adventure winning reputation especially in the delivery of accredited training and adventure leadership courses. This type of integration has to be Context welcomed and further developed. The rowing focus in the south of the county is centred on the Leitrim has enormous water assets with considerable recreational potential, from its Carrick-on-Shannon Rowing Club, the oldest Tullaghan coastline through iconic lakes, such club in the country. With the Club, Leitrim canals and its largely unspoilt rivers. Adventure County Council has recently developed the tourism is defined by the Adventure Travel Trade ambitious Lough Rynn Rowing Centre, an Association as ‘an outdoor activity combined eight lane facility open for domestic events with a nature or cultural element, or ideally a by summer 2014 coupled with excellent mix of all three’. 90% of all adventure tourism is land-based servicing facilities, near to Lough classed as ‘soft adventure’, which from a Leitrim Rynn Castle. Surfing is undertaken along the perspective will provide the likely market. The Bundoran-Mullaghmore coast, with reputedly ‘Lovely Leitrim’ tagline still positively influences high numbers of young people participating in the Irish domestic perception of Leitrim, but has Bundoran. Strategically, Leitrim should avoid rarely translated to commercial exploitation of over differentiation of land and water based the county’s adventure offering in a significant adventure tourism as the majority of visitors manner. The consultation process furthermore see them as one seamless set of activity underlined that many local people are unaware options. of the opportunities available to recreate on the waterways of Leitrim and fragmentation of effort has led to underperformance by many of the businesses.

There is a small but impressive network of Leitrim water-based adventure operators currently servicing a largely domestic and educational market, across surfing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, outdoor adventure education and life skills activities. The operators work independently of each other and are weakly networked strategically. The market is largely comprised of youth to late thirties age groups, which given our demographics, this market can be significantly expanded both domestically and from overseas.

Background

New products and partnerships are beginning to emerge in adventure tourism in the county. Facilities like the Lough Allen Outdoor Education Centre offers organised group and educational adventure activities, with hostel accommodation on the southern shore of Lough Allen in Drumshanbo. The Lough Allen Adventure Centre on the east coast of Lough Allen near has a national award 8 Actions Delivery Partners / Potential Funders Water Based Adventure Activities

Establish Leitrim Adventure Trail by providing Leitrim Development Company developmental support for networking among Leitrim Tourism recreation providers, tourism accommodation and food providers. Establish Youth Adventure Clubs: 2/3 pilot Leitrim Development Company, locations Develop and advance Adventure SMEs, Sports Partnership ETB, Awards: focus on leadership/ life skills. Youth Groups Determine the need for specialist training and SMEs, Fáilte Ireland, mentoring for operators and devise appropriate Leitrim Tourism, delivery amongst the partners. Leitrim Development Company Identify & exploit Regional /Cross-Border Leitrim County Council, Fáilte opportunities/Wild Atlantic Way/other. Ireland, ICBAN, Waterways Ireland, INTERREG All Leitrim Adventure enterprises to attain SMEs, Fáilte Ireland accreditation.

9 Angling recent Angling Study by Inland Fisheries Ireland (2013) on the sector has given new hope to destinations like Leitrim as it quantified for the Context first time the value of angling and number of associated jobs within the Irish economy (€750 Leitrim has some fine angling waters from Lough million and 5,000 jobs respectively). Melvin, the Shannon, Drowes and Duff rivers, the lakes of the Shannon-Erne Waterway such As the northern part of the county is known for its as Scur and Garadice and the numerous lakes game angling (Drowes, Bunduff and Melvin), the across the south of the county. Angling has mid to south is mainly coarse angling territory provided the backbone of Leitrim tourism for apart from the Lough Rowan “Put and Take” Trout three generations. A supporting infrastructure of Fishery. While there is a considerable festivals accommodation and angling services, directly/ programme, ranging from the recent World indirectly employing up to 200 local people, was Pairs event staged successfully in constructed to cater for a traditional market, to smaller local annual events, there is a lack of mostly comprising the north of England coarse a high profile coarse angling festivals in Leitrim. angler. For a range of reasons, this business The challenge is to grow the numbers from the has largely disappeared leaving uncertainty current average of c. 40 competitors. However, in its wake. Residual business has largely two factors must be considered: (1) the calendar concentrated into a smaller number of operators, of events is full for the peak festival periods of who have developed specialist marketing and April/May and August/September and (2) the customer service skills that will become the pool of dedicated match anglers who may be norm for a successful future in angling tourism. attracted to new events is not limitless. The World Leitrim operators will need to compete strongly Pairs if it can be retained is a valuable vehicle with such advanced operators elsewhere on the both in terms of numbers and in raising the profile island of Ireland to gain a share of that market. of Leitrim, but is dependent on sponsorship and key decisions by the organisers. The business fabric and underlying demographics from both the supply and demand sides of angling have changed over the last decade. In order to invest with confidence in a revived angling tourism offering for the county, an integrated, innovative and suitably resourced response for the short to medium term will be implemented. Both structural and marketing solutions are required.

Background

Angling is a highly competitive (and lucrative) recreational offering in rural Ireland. Leitrim has some superior quality game and coarse angling along with access to sea angling. Destinations such as Ballinamore, Carrigallen, Drumshanbo, and Carrick-on-Shannon built their reputations and considerable specialist knowledge and accommodation stock through delivering quality angling experiences. Repeat business was significant. The whole sector is undergoing change at local and national level. A 10 Actions Delivery Partners / Potential Funders Angling Activities

Support the Angling Working Group in Inland Fisheries Ireland, Angling development of an Integrated Angling Plan. Alliance & Angling Clubs Roll out the Angling Ghillies Training Rossinver Group, Inland Fisheries Programme across county. Ireland, Angling Clubs, SMEs, Establish Angling Ambassadors x 20. Dept. Social Protection Specialist Angling Packaging & Training Leitrim Development Company, Programme for small scale operators. Inland Fisheries Ireland, SMEs Assess scope for development of ‘put and Inland Fisheries Ireland, ICBAN, take’ fisheries vs. visitors seeking a ‘wild’ Leitrim County Council, experience. Fáilte Ireland, Angling Clubs/ Leitrim Tourism, Leitrim Development Company Rebrand and reposition Leitrim’s angling Leitrim Tourism/ Clubs/IFI/ FI offering as a priority (game/coarse/wild/sea) angling.

Main Angling Markets in County Leitrim Wild Atlantic Salmon

“Wild Atlantic Salmon are abundant in the River Drowes and River Duff that flow into the sea through County Leitrim. The River Drowes is Ireland’s earliest spring salmon river, opening Coarse Angling on January 1st and rarely fails to produce the (non Pike) first wild Atlantic Salmon of the New Year in Ireland. Both Rivers are at their peak in the summer months when returning salmon make Game Angling their perilous return journey to the waters of their native river. The Atlantic Salmon can be clearly seen mounting the spectacular falls at the sea pool on the river Duff and leaping the sea pools

Pike of the river Drowes. The sight of Silver Atlantic Angling Salmon entering their home waters after an epic migration as the setting sun dips behind Slieve League in the west is an iconic image of life and Put and nature along Ireland’s Atlantic Coast” Take Fisheries (Shane Gallagher, Forum Member)

11 Recommendations Walking and Walking Trails 1. Glenade Uplands: Context Develop one walking route, centred on Arroo Mountain, with carparking at trail Access to the countryside, particularly the heads in the valley. uplands and lakelands of Leitrim, is a priority • Acquire permissive access (landowner recreational objective, based on national and agreement) on all stretches of trail/route international trends in outdoor recreation and development. Where access cannot be rural tourism. It is proposed that the Leitrim agreed, reroute if possible (avoid Recreation Forum identify specific areas suitable conflict). for walking and hiking in the county and work • Place integrated signage/ storyboards in with the respective landowners, agencies and the car park, and avoid unnecessary communities to develop highest quality walking trail signage in the uplands zone to trails, with assured permissive access. Ultimately, protect its environmental integrity and the Forum should aim to develop a series of long SAC/ SPA status distance inter-county/cross-border integrated • Agree the necessary infrastructural walks to offer visitors a multi-day uplands improvements required to direct tourists experience, linked to hub towns and villages with to the trail heads (signage/stiles requisite services in accommodation, food and carparking/local road improvements) transport, similar to those on offer in other parts with LCC to aid development of the of Europe. Achieving consensus and permissive project. access from landowners will be a priority of the Forum in all developments. 2. Flag and develop other Walking Trails in Leitrim over 2- 5 year Period The Glenade Valley in the of For example Sliabh an Iarainn, review the Leitrim North Leitrim hosts some of the finest scenery, Way (in association with LCC, Leitrim Tourism, archaeology, cultural heritage and natural upland enterprise and local communities) and develop, environments in Ireland. The uplands are EU map and approve a range of walking trails e.g. designated Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Fenagh, Aughacashel, Lurganboy, Ballinamore, and Special Protection Areas (SPA) in recognition Leitrim-Kilclare and Tullaghan and a host of of the unique habitats and threatened bird shorter routes linked to towns and villages such species residing there. To date there has been as Slí na Shláinte, suited to mixed use for citizens limited access to the Glenade Uplands, although and visitors alike. many informal walking groups and individuals frequently climb the hills without clear/direct 3. Walking Club permission from the landowners. Other areas Leitrim is in need of a formally constituted Walking suitable for walking include Sliabh an Iarainn Club to partner with the Leitrim Recreation (Slieve Anieran) and the Miners and Historical Forum and also with the Sports Partnership to Trail and the Leitrim Way. The promotion promote responsible recreation in the outdoors, of other rural walks, including Aughacashel, organise walking events and access related Glenfarne Forest, Dromod Forest, Lurganboy, funding. The Holey Souls informal walking club Ballinamore, Leitrim-Kilclare recreation zones in has an impressive record in (some of which are managed and on Coillte walker participation in its Easter Walking Festival, property), and a host of shorter routes linked to but the group is not registered as a club by their towns and villages such as Slí na Shláinte can own wishes. Scope exists to formalize a Walking be enhanced/developed and promoted within Club to work in tandem with communities and the the lifetime of the Recreation Strategy. Forum to develop a world class walking product in Leitrim.

12 Actions Delivery Partners / Potential Funders Walking Trails Activities

Seek permissive access agreements and Landowners, Leitrim Development establish trail management groups for other Company, Leitrim County Council, upland and lowland walking trails. National Trails Office, Communities Continue working with private and community Communities, Businesses, interests in the development and mapping Leitrim Development Company, of walking routes centred in key villages and Leitrim County Council, towns. Leitrim Tourism Consider formalisation of Coastal path from Leitrim County Council, Bundoran through Tullaghan to Mullaghmore Leitrim Development Company, to capitalise on the Wild Atlantic Way. Landowners Establish formal Walking Clubs to provide a Leitrim County Council, conduit for festivals/ trails development and Leitrim Tourism, management. Leitrim Sports Partnership Consider linking the walking trail network All parties across North Leitrim and into Sligo, Fermanagh & Cavan to provide a world class multi-day walking experience for visitors. Facilitate on-going communication/ Leitrim Development Company, dissemination of information relating to Leitrim County Council, Waterways permissive assess and the developmental Ireland, Coillte, Leitrim Tourism/ issues through a variety of medium. Fáilte Ireland

13 Rail to Trail Projects authority and cross border interests. The scale and complexity of this project is challenging, but a shared vision on its development, delivery Background and its likely long term positive benefits to disadvantaged areas from a community and Since Victorian times, Leitrim enjoyed an tourist perspective, are best developed through extensive rural rail network which linked the the participative Recreational Forum. principal towns and villages. However, since their decommissioning in the 1950s, the tracks became defunct and the lands underlying the Context: railways reverted to the original landowners for Cavan-Leitrim Railway the most part. This ‘rail-to-trail’ project is proposed as an off- Over the past two decades or so, communities road Cycleway along the old narrow gauge and local authorities have been investigating railway between in South Leitrim and the potential for conversion of these old lines in West Cavan, along the line of the as ‘rail-to-trail’ multi-purpose greenways, There defunct Cavan Leitrim Railway. Preliminary are two lengths of the Leitrim railways currently scoping work has been carried out by a Cavan under consideration for such purpose, the Sligo and Leitrim Greenway Committee made up of Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) representatives from the six local development and the Cavan-Leitrim Railway (CLR). At committees along this 41km route. this time in 2014, SLNCR has advanced to a point where a number of linked communities Unused railway stations, such as those in along the line have worked actively to achieve Ballinamore, Mohill, Templeport and Belturbet permissive access from the majority of private are of considerable heritage merit, and will be landowners, while developing a strategic action earmarked as centres to service the cycleway. plan and seeking funding for a feasibility study. The latter three stations are already in community The CLR group has completed a (non-costed) ownership. Formal consultation meetings are pre-feasibility study and is working to achieve underway with local landowners and a series permissive access from the landowners as part of public meetings took place in early 2014 to of its further advancement. The proposed ‘rail-to- promote the concept, build community support trail’ coincides with an element of the proposed and engage with landowners on the project. National Cycle Network. Each of these two priority projects is discussed below.

Context: Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Rail (SLNCR)

The SLNCR is a 69km line linking to Sligo through counties Fermanagh, Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo. It closed in October 1957. Most of the lands on the permanent way reverted to the original private landowners when it closed.

The SLNCR Trail Group has been in existence (in various formations) since the late 1990s. It is composed of voluntary representatives of local communities along the trail, mostly centred in Leitrim. A growing partnership has recently emerged comprising community, local 14 Actions Delivery Partners / Potential Funders Rail to Trail Projects

Support the development of costed Feasibility Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Studies/ Strategic Plans for SLNCR and CL Rail Railway Group, Cavan Leitrim to Trail Railway Group, Leitrim Development Company, Leitrim County Council. Assist with the continued work of securing Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties written permissive access from landowners Railway Group, along both the SLNCR and CL Rail Trail. Cavan Leitrim Railway Group, Landowners, Communities, Leitrim Development Company (RSS, Tus, Landowners, SLNCR) Design Information Pack for consistent Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties message for both routes Railway Group, Cavan Leitrim Railway Group, Leitrim Development Company. Assist in collating, storage and communication Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties of all materials relating to both projects Railway Group, Cavan Leitrim Railway Group, Leitrim County Council Ecological Baseline Study/ Appropriate Sligo IT Assessment Screening of SLNCR/CLR habitats if required Seek funding for phased commissioning of Leitrim County Council, SLNCR Greenway Sligo County Council, Cavan County Council, Fermanagh District Council. Seek funding from core funders (Smarter Leitrim County Council, Travel / INTERREG/ other as arise) for CL Rail Cavan County Council, Trail Leitrim Development Company.

15 Shannon Erne Waterway However, SEW traffic is down due to a number of interrelated and complex reasons. Waterways Ireland has a renewed remit to develop and Context & Background promote the recreational assets on and adjacent to the navigable waterways of the island. Thus The Shannon-Erne Waterway (SEW) remains there is an opportunity to add a new level of Ireland’s flagship cross-border tourism project, recreational value to the SEW by developing twenty years after its re-opening. The 63km a combined ‘blueway’ (suited to canoeing/ waterway comprises a mix of canal, river and kayaking) which will be completed by the end lake sections linking Carrick-on-Shannon to the of 2014 and greenway (suited to walking – Erne system north of Ballyconnell and onwards cycling) product along the SEW corridor. Very to Enniskillen. The 16 electro-hydraulic locks are considerable work has already been undertaken a signature feature of the waterway. The cross- (and is on-going) by Waterways Ireland in scoping border agency, Waterways Ireland, took over the and constructing these blueway stretches. management of the Shannon and Erne River navigations, including the Waterway, following The Recreational Forum’s Shannon-Erne the Good Friday Agreement. Waterway Working Group will provide a forum for developmental, community, recreational and The original motive for the UK and Irish tourism enterprises to work together in moving governments behind the re-development the blueway-greenway projects forwards. All was to bring tangible economic benefits to partners in the Working Group confirmed their disadvantaged rural communities on both willingness to make the Shannon Erne Waterway sides of the border by re-commissioning an work for the communities and businesses abandoned industrial canal, connecting the two along its length. Waterways Ireland confirmed great waterway systems of the Shannon and through the consultation phases for this strategy the Erne. The subsequent peace building and that they are keen to see both these initiatives economic cooperation has left a positive impact progress in cooperation with all relevant partners on the region up to this day. (public, private and community). They are an obvious and valuable lead partner for the The initial wave of private sector investment, Shannon Erne Waterway Working Group. This together with the influx of boating visitors (and canal infrastructure and developments leave land-based sightseers), were a significant boost possibilities for small business development and to Leitrim and Cavan tourism. Coupled with economic regeneration of the towns and villages traditional angling, this era represented a high along the waterways and the Forum will focus on water mark for tourism in the county. An economic supporting this. impact study in the mid-1990s commissioned by the International Funds for Ireland, conducted by Colin Stutt, suggested that in the first four years of the canal reopening, the private sector in Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh had invested the same money as the original public capital investment (including assistance from the EU of IE£30 million). Much of this micro business investment is still in operation today. Early commercial success can be attributed to the following mix: community engagement and networking, private sector and business confidence to invest in supporting infrastructure and public sector/ development agencies supports to lubricate the whole project into the medium term. 16 Actions Delivery Partners / Potential Funders Shannon Erne Waterway

Design & planning of integrated Blueway- Waterways Ireland, Greenway Adventure Journey on SEW (for INTERREG, with communities delivery 2015-17) Secure permissive access to extend the SEW Waterways Ireland, Blueway-Greenway to Lough Allen Canal and Leitrim County Council, Carrick-on-Shannon via Leitrim village. Communities Link heritage villages & towns along Waterway Waterways Ireland with Leitrim via trails...link to Walking Working Group County Council integrated network action Actively support integration of community All partners activity and service providers as service hubs along the waterway. Encourage micro-business start-ups in canoe/ biking/accommodation/ guiding. Create innovative & integrated marketing/ Link with all working groups of branding/ packaging/heritage. Forum Ensure that both Blueway and Greenway Waterways Ireland, conform to national development standards National Trails Office (National Trails Office/Canoe Ireland) while conserving the delicate environment.

17 Lough Allen Basin a signage strategy and a driving route around the lake. This plan will form the foundation on which to build the work programme for the Recreation Context Forum’s Lough Allen Working Group. Lough Allen lies at the upper end of the Shannon The consultation phase of the recreational navigation, at the heart of County Leitrim. It is strategy engaged with over thirty people from the northernmost of the three largest lakes on the immediate area through five separate the system with a rich and distinct heritage and workshops addressing the key issues and ecology. The lake provides a natural recreational opportunities. The discussions were marked by resource, but is host to a number of under- realism with a surprising degree of confidence utilised, publicly funded lakeshore facilities in the role of recreation in enhancing the local (e.g. Spencer Harbour). The non-water features economy. There is a limited, but not insignificant, include Sliabh an Iarainn and Corry Mountain in tourism infrastructure to work with: one hotel in the Uplands, each of which have walking Drumshanbo exists within a network of local offerings (Leitrim Way, Miner’s Way and the B&Bs, a slowly improving walking offering linked historical Beara Breifne Way), as well across Sliabh an Iarainn; established angling; a as trails at Aughacashel and Ballinaglera and growing number of festivals including ballooning, the new environmental boardwalk on Sliabh an and quality activity operators in equestrian and Iarainn as part of the Border Uplands INTERREG outdoor adventure. project. A signed driving route around the Lough is also in place. To the northwest lies the source In the development of the strategy the issue of of the Shannon leading to the Cavan Burren ‘fracking’ was raised. There was agreement that and the cross-border Marble Arch Caves Global the environment is precious and any recreational Geopark. The Shannon Erne Waterway lies to development could be seriously undermined by the southeast. the proposed fracking in the County. Activity providers, communities and public partners are There is significant potential to grow the mixed intent on progressing joined-up initiatives to recreational product (water, land and air-based) advance the Lough Allen region, spearheaded in the immediate area of the Lough. Harbour through the Forum. and mooring are available at Drumshanbo on the south, Cleighran More in the east and Spencer Harbour on the northwest shore. Drumshanbo is the primary urban centre on the lake, with critical mass to service visitors, which potentially will have a ‘knock-on’ economic effect in surrounding areas. Existing activity providers will likely need to be augmented by complementary micro- businesses working collaboratively to deliver a seamless recreational experience. There is currently little awareness or brand identity.

Background

Leitrim County Council commissioned a Lough Allen Development Plan (Colin Buchanan & Partners, 2008) which recommended an integrated approach to developing the potential of the area. The document has supported a number of funding applications most notably for 18 Actions Delivery Partners / Potential Funders Lough Allen Basin

Explore new usage for Cleighran More, Leitrim County Council, Spencer Harbour and Cormongan Pier: Youth Leitrim Tourism, adventure training? Scouts Camps? Sailing/ Leitrim Development Company Canoeing Summer Camps? Other? Explore the possibility of linkage from Cleighran More to Ballinaglera village via Leitrim Way route. Seek support for the feasibility of the proposal Public Private Partnership: Lough for Lough Allen Marina at Drumshanbo – seek Allen Hotel, Leitrim County Council, public-private commitments, explore costs and Waterways Ireland, economic viability. Inland Fisheries Ireland. Seek permissive access from landowners to Leitrim County Council, deliver selected walking trails in LA catchment, Waterways Ireland, such as Miners and Historical Trail, Leitrim Leitrim Tourism Way/ Beara Breifne, Ballinaglera Loops and Sliabh an Iarainn walks. Create linked walkways around Drumshanbo from Acre’s Lake to town/ Canal Bank etc. Ensure provision of economic development Leitrim County Council, supports for existing operators and potential Leitrim Development Company, micro business start-up within the recreational Leitrim Tourism, Businesses, sphere. Support networking among private Communities. operators/ communities in recreational delivery and promotion. Explore the potential development of recreational hub in Drumshanbo. Full engagement with sister inter-county / Leitrim County Council, cross border linking initiatives e.g. the Cavan Leitrim Tourism, SMEs, Burren, Geopark & Border Uplands projects Leitrim Development Company, – investigate the potential for an branded Fáilte Ireland umbrella regional marketing initiative

19 Land Based Activities Citizen walking constitutes the largest participatory recreational activity in the country. A number of heritage trails have been developed for example Context & Background Fenagh: to promote the ecclesiastical history while engaging in recreational activity. This model Land based ‘soft adventure’ recreational can be replicated elsewhere in the county, such usage (including cycling, walking, equestrian, as , Dromod and Kinlough. Cycling environmental and heritage appreciation) by for fitness is fast becoming a mainstream sport on citizens and tourists will exponentially grow over the county’s roads (and events calendar). Quiet the coming decade, based on current national back roads, accessible lowlands and existing and international trends. The government has set traditional town trails like Carrick-on-Shannon, the target of having 20% more people regularly Mohill and Ballinamore provide ample and well involved in physical exercise by 2025, through used routes by the local users. Despite the very the Healthy Ireland Framework (2013). A core significant efforts of Leitrim Tourism, there has challenge for the Leitrim Recreational Forum been a relatively inert response from the trade is to ensure that the integrated recreational to collectively brand, package and aggressively experience proposed under this strategy is market these offerings to visitors from outside sustainable community wise, commercially and the county. environmentally. There are marketable products in the county and Leitrim’s land based activity assets are some experienced operators are seeing progress naturally varied in type, location; scale and being made. The Forum can focus on adding ownership. Examples include a variety of cycling some additional value to existing enterprises experiences (Kingfisher Trail; and the soon to and events. In the longer run the progressive, be developed cycling trail in Coillte’s Glenfarne yet environmentally sensitive, development of Forest), equestrian in many forms (trekking, land based activity tourism and recreation in the eventing, three existing schools), low-level county will signal the effectiveness of the Forum. walking (villages, lakeshore, heritage walks, Slí Much will hinge on partnership with private na Sláinte) and more specialist offerings such landowners to secure access and to provide as outdoor festivals, high octane adventure indemnity from any recreational users claims. sports and events, and the Lough Allen Basin integrated walk-cycle-ride offering. Leitrim The Land Activities Working Group of the Forum currently has three greenway projects being is an ideal meeting place for the operators and actively researched: the Cavan Leitrim Railway agencies wishing to support their commercial as a cycleway, the SLNCR as a multipurpose efforts. A challenge will be prioritization of trail and the Shannon Erne Waterway as a walk/ the work programme that lies ahead and the cycle greenway. continued development. The focus on supporting new and small businesses to generate economic The former Leitrim Way aspires to be reinstated activity will be strengthened. as a national waymarked way, as part of the historic Beara Breifne Way linking West Cork to Leitrim. The North Leitrim Glens in their entirety offer exceptional potential to be developed over coming decades. Sliabh an Iarainn and the Arigna Miner’s and Historical Trail can be further enhanced and, secured by necessary permissive access.

20 Actions Delivery Partners / Potential Funders Land Based Activities

Develop integrated network of multi-functional Leitrim County Council, activity trails across Leitrim, link to signature Leitrim Development Company, projects, centred in villages which can service Leitrim Tourism, local clubs, them (Fenagh, , Carrigallen, community development groups Lurganboy, Kinlough, Mohill, , Ballinaglera, Kiltyclogher, Rossinver, , etc.) Coordinate integrated standards in branding/ Leitrim Development Company, signage/ info/ heritage across county Leitrim County Council, Leitrim Tourism Establish multi-day equestrian trekking Leitrim Development Company, package Assess the potential of an equestrian SMEs eventing centre in South Leitrim Ensure integration of common aspects All partners of Working Groups e.g. the synergy and economies between Land, SLNCR, Shannon- Erne and Water Adventure Groups in relation to trail and trail head/hub development Develop integrated & branded Recreational Leitrim Development Company, Maps & Apps of Leitrim showing all assets Leitrim Tourism clearly

21 3. Realising the Theme Actions & Priorities

3.0 Cross Cutting Issues way, must be encouraged at the outset. Internal communications among Forum members and A number of ‘cross-cutting’ or horizontal themes Working Groups will focus on planned and current were identified as part of this strategy. It isa activities; upcoming training opportunities; primary function of the Recreation Forum collaborative options and forward planning. to consider all of these themes and to proof the priority actions in the Road Maps against Permissive Access the relevant horizontal theme(s). The cross cutting themes are as follows Integration, Permissive access is fundamental to achieving Communication, Permissive Access, Financing/ many aspects of this strategy in relation to all Resources, Education/ Training, Insurance, of the recreational sectors given that most Environment, Health & Safety, Marketing/ of the lakeshore/riverbanks and uplands Promotion and Monitoring and Evaluation and are held in private ownership. Additionally, three of them are discussed in more detail below: permissive access must be sought for the ‘rail- to-trail’ projects on the SLNCR and Cavan- Integration Leitrim Railway. In order to achieve permissive access, an investment must be made in open The forum will represent a partnership of and transparent communication, information interests equally contributing, in different ways, sharing and engagement with landowners. This to developing outdoor recreation in Leitrim. This will require a commitment of developmental forum is also linked regionally and a network resources and the importance of this cannot of activity Providers aim to provide a seamless be underestimated in achieving success of this experience for recreational user/visitors alike. strategy. The development of recreation “hubs” is also an important aspect of the integration of product Achieving permissive access can be an arduous networking and commercialisation of recreation process, particularly on upland commonages product and activities. “Hubs” will become clear where there are multiple private owners. and defined during the implementation of the However, once permissive access is agreed strategy and can be discussed and agreed by in writing for a defined period (min. 5-7 years) the forum. with each commonage landowner, projects may proceed providing that environmental Communication designations are observed. Developmental advice and accreditation should be sought Excellent internal and external communication is through the National Trails Office (NTO) of the required to promote the activities of the Recreation Irish Sports Council. Forum and to build a supportive public awareness of the objectives. The Forum must recognise that the low population base and relatively small number of key ‘recreation’ individuals dispersed over a wide geographical area implies the need for a strong internal communication regime. New collaborative methods of communicating and working among key individuals and groups within the County, in a coherent and structured 22 3.1 Implementation of the Leitrim Engagement of stakeholders Recreation Strategy The forum will promote active and equal Role of the Forum participation between the private and business, public, community and statutory sectors in the The forum led by the Chairperson will meet 4-6 county and beyond. The strategy is now firmly times each year and will provide Leadership, a the responsibility of the forum and its members shared Vision, and active engagement between and advisors. The forum is fortunate and unique and among the stakeholders and the advisory in that those involved are very much active on panel members in prioritising and implementing the ground in many aspects of the development actions and projects from the strategy. The forum of recreation, and also in tourism and community will review, monitor and steer the implementation and economic developments across the county while also examining opportunities at a Regional and wider region. and National level.

Working Groups Support Arrangements

Six working groups are now in place which will The Chairman, forum and working groups are also meet regularly and include forum members supported during 2014 by staff from Leitrim and a broader representation focusing on the Development Company. This type of secretariat seven priority areas set out in the strategy. will be required in the longer term to ensure the These groups which have identified priorities will successful conduct of the forum and working action a variety of projects for development and group activities and their implementation of the implementation and this process has commenced strategy. The forum will implement the strategy with some successes evident already. They will in order to achieve the best outcomes for Leitrim, also help ease out and find solutions to issues its citizens, communities and businesses while which arise under any of the crosscutting themes ensuring that an innovative approach is taken such as access. and that the combined efforts at the forum will enhance the lives of all who live, work and visit Leitrim.

23 Leitrim Recreation Strategy: A Roadmap for the Future Development of Recreation in County leitrim Leitrim Recreation Forum would like to acknowledge all those agencies, individuals, businesses and community groups that participated in the consultation, preparation, development and finalisation of Leitrim Recreation Strategy.

Leitrim Recreation Forum | 2014

Funding for the development of this strategy was received from the Leitrim Development Company Rural Development Programme which is financed by the Irish Government under the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013 and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in Rural Areas.