Using the Shannon Waterways Corridor Study 2005

A study of area surrounding the Upper Shannon navigation down to Waterway Corridor Studies including the River, , and the Carnadoe waters. THE SHANNON “The studies should become an important element in the relevant county development process, with the proposed WATERWAY CORRIDOR STUDIES policies and priorities included in the county development

ColinColin BBuchananuchanan aandnd PPartnersartners iinn aassociationssociation wwithith JJohnohn CCroninronin & AAssociates,ssociates, DDr.r. NNiamhiamh RRocheoche plans. The studies should, where appropriate, enhance Waterways Corridor Study 2004 The Shannon River The coordination between these plans and those of Waterways between Roosky and Lanesborough between and Thomastown for the navigations.” Heritage Council policy paper Integrating Policies for Ireland’s Inland Waterways 2005.

The Shannon Waterway Corridor Studies are an essential input to Cunnane Stratton Reynolds in association with Cultural ResourWaterwaysce Development Services, Corridor Study 2004 strategic decision-making: KT Cullen White Young Green, DIT Tourism Research CentreA study of the area surrounding Lanesborough to County Development Plans Local Biodiversity Action Plans

Local Area Plans Regional Planning Guidelines

Town Plans Agri-tourism projects

Strategies for recreation ColinColin BBuchananuchanan aandnd PPartnersartners iinn aassociationssociation wwithith JJohnohn CCroninronin & AAssociates,ssociates, FFredred HHamond,amond, DDrr AAmandamanda BBrownerowne Landscape Character Waterways Corridor Study 2002 A study of the area surrounding • The from Ballycommon to Shannon Harbour • The Shannon from Shannonbridge to Meelick Assessments Heritage plans WESTMEATH Village Design Statements Tourism strategies

OOFFALYF F A L Y ACCESSING THE WATERWAY CORRIDOR STUDIES

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In association with • Galway County Council • OffalyOffaly CCountyounty CCouncilouncil • WaterwaysWaterways IIrelandreland • OffalyOffaly aandnd KKildareildare WWaterwaysaterways The Inland Waterways section of the Heritage Council �������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������� website (www.heritagecouncil.ie) has a special section devoted to the Corridor Studies. Here you can download the studies in PDF format and access the interactive map and searchable database. The studies are also available

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Online Interactive Map The Heritage Council has produced an interactive map GIS Dataset of Corridor Studies’ of the Shannon and sections of the Grand and Royal Recommendations Canals using GIS technology. This map shows three zoom A GIS dataset of the recommendations is also levels which culminates in aerial photography of the available to local authorities, state agencies and waterways at 1:75,000. You can click on a location (e.g. others with their own GIS systems. Killaloe, or ) and view the Corridor Studies’ recommendations for that location and see who is responsible for action. You can also see the designated If you would like a CD ROM of the Studies or the conservation areas (SAC’s, NHA’s etc), National Inventory GIS dataset please contact Beatrice Kelly at the Heritage Council. of Architectural Heritage sites and national archaeological sites and monuments within 500m of the banks of the waterbodies. There is no need to download any programme to use this map.

Online Searchable Database Cover Photo Kevin DwyerAIPPA This is a database of the recommendations from all fi ve corridor studies. You can search the database An Chomhairle Oidhreachta Áras na hOidhreachta of recommendations by location, by theme (such as The Heritage Council Church Lane, Kilkenny, Ireland Landscape, Water management, Habitats and species, T 056 777 0777 F 056 777 0788 tourism etc.) and responsible party. E [email protected] www.heritagecouncil.ie

Shannon Folder FINAL.indd 1 21/11/2008 18:34:59 Waterways Corridor Study 2005 6.3 Socio-economic Framework strategy to ensure sensitive design and development, whilst have been identified as sensitive villages, having protecting the amenity for public use. It is particularly impor- regard to their existing size, special archaeological and archi- 6.3.1 Arising from the delineation of a waterways corridor tant to secure a riverfront strategy to ensure co-ordinated tectural merit (Jamestown) and visual vulnerability (). for the study area and an analysis of the settlement structure development, whilst protecting the amenities of the area, par- These villages require immediate attention if their contribu- and pattern of key towns and villages within the corridor, hav- ticularly having regard to developments in the past on the riv- tion to the tourism cluster is to be recognised, as all three ing regard to national, regional and local guidelines in the form er and which do not provide or maintain public access. Boyle villages have special characteristics. Arigna has strong indus- of development plans and local area plans, a socio-economic town is identified as a secondary regional centre and can com- trial heritage links and this has already been capitalised upon framework for the study area has been developed. The con- plement the services provided in Carrick-on-Shannon. Boyle with the opening of the successful Arigna Mining Experience. cept behind the socio-economic framework is outlined in Map has the potential to develop as a significant cultural heritage The Jacobite town of Jamestown is one of the most historic format. (MAP 3) destination due to its richness of archaeological and built her- spots in and should be appropriately pro- itage features. moted, whilst Drumsna can facilitate limited growth. Consid- 6.3.2 The approach is based on a concept of tourist brand- eration should be given to the preparation of Village Design ing and ‘urban competitiveness’. Urban competitiveness is the 6.3.5 , and have the Statements (VDS) to ensure sensitive and appropriate limited The Shannon... The Studies... ability to accommodate a certain level of service provision development in these villages. ability of an urban area or the conglomeration of a number of settlements, to attract and maintain market share in an activ- and capitalise on its tourism base. Drumshanbo is primarily ity, such as the tourism market, whilst maintaining stable or known and marketed as an resort, but has the ability to 6.3.8 The success of tourism clustering is dependent on It means a lot of different things to a lot of To help with that task, the Heritage Council has The waterways corridorincreasing isstandards wider ofthan living the for those who participate in it. capitalise on its festivals including, An Tostal, with emphasis on maintaining quality of life in terms of social, cultural and en- Competitiveness is different from competition. Competition Irish music, singing and dancing and the Joe Mooney Summer vironmental quality. Services are required to maintain a so- different people: from anglers’ paradise to water produced five Shannon Waterway Corridor Studies, waterway itself. canHere, be a zero-sumthe study game, suggests in which, iflinks one area/settlement wins, School, a traditional music and dance summer school, thereby cial quality of life and in turn services require critical mass another loses. By contrast areas and a number of settlements providing an alternative to the waterways visitor. The town of to remain competitive, whilst capitalising on the asset of the supply, source of hydroelectricity to cruising ground, covering the whole length of the Shannon. Together, between watersidecan alltowns increase and their those competitiveness further ataway: the same time, so that Mohill can further promote its industrial heritage links with waterways as a significant tourist resource. Cultural and en- such links can spreadall areas/settlements the benefits and of the the national tourism economy can simultane- the -Leitrim railway line and continue to seek linkage vironmental qualities are dependent on the development of rich natural environment to desirable development these studies provide the most comprehensive account ously grow and benefit. with the village of . Strokestown has the potential the study area in a sensitive and sustainable manner. In this and leisure industries and can relieve some of to complement Roosky in the provision of tourist facilities and regard, there is a need to ensure that the integrity of the built site, leisure amenity to heritage trail .... — over 1850 pages — of the Shannon’s strengths and 6.3.3 Not all villages and towns can provide the same level to facilitate residential development to relieve the pressure heritage, form and context of the towns and villages around the pressure on theof tourist waterway facilities itself./ services The but studies all have an important role for one-off housing around the highly pressurised Carnadoe the waterways is respected and maintained, whilst accommo- Planners and strategists in public bodies are weaknesses, of the opportunities for development and to play in the provision of services by reason of their geo- Lake. dating future growth and development. Of equal importance is favour balanced graphicdevelopment: location on theeconomic waterway; and attractiveness of built form; the countryside surrounding the waterways and the need for faced with the difficult but vital task of balancing of the threats to the Shannon’s unique appeal. social progress withoutbuilt heritage sacrificing offer; specific the touristShannon’s attractions; potential for 6.3.6 , , Leitrim Village, Coote- preservation and conservation from inappropriate develop- additional tourist attractions; services, facilities and other lo- hall, Dromod and Roosky have all been classified as devel- ment. competing interests along the Shannon: conserving This invaluable resource is now available online, natural or built heritage.cal amenities. To ensure coherent residential and commercial oping3.1.1.6 villages.Cloonda raLike Canal the to villageRichmond of HarbRoosky,our, and these the Cam villageslin River require development and provision of services throughout the study specific Local Area Plans with specific design standards to en- 6.3.9 The heritage value of the waterways corridor to the important natural, social and built heritage while free of charge, to any person or organisation with an area and to encourage the development of tourism clusters, sureSouth that of Te futurermonba rrygrowthLock an occursd weir, a inna rrowa strategic350m ch annandel integratedto the east local and wider economy is something that needs to be as- The studies incorporatebased on existingbaseline attractions surveys and of facilities heritage by appropriate link- mannergives ac ce andss tothat Cloond theara character Lock and Can ofa l, the conne villagecting the is Shamaintainednnon to sessed and is an identified information gap in this study. In allowing for social and economic development. Making interest in the Shannon. Go to the Inland Waterways ing and packaging, a hierarchical and spatial approach has been whilstthe Camli facilitatingn River and limited the Royal growth.Canal navigation The carryings. The 35capacity0m stone-li ofned the economic terms heritage has two main types of value includ- and landscape: recordsdeveloped of to sites ensure and that lavishly the village illustrated and towns surrounding villageCloonda mustra Canal, be overhunascertainedg by den atse the vegetation outsetand and bridg itsed ability by the to local ac- ing use value and existence value, where the person values road from Termonbarry, is uniquely attractive ( ). The lock house, the waterways develops in a complementary manner, to the commodate development established to3.1 -ensureW, X that the built the existence of the heritage feature irrespective of whether the right decisions requires a detailed knowledge of section of the Heritage Council website www. descriptions of items of aesthetic, archaeological, built in 1760 by the engineer of the Shannon Navigation, Thomas Omer, benefit of the waterways and the wider geographic area. heritage, form and context of the village is maintained. These they have visited or intend to visit. The value of heritage can the current status and the environmental and heritage heritagecouncil.ie architectural, educational, geological, historical, villagesstands be willside the only bridg contributee. to ‘urban competitiveness’ and be affected by many influences, some of them external and 6.3.4 Carrick-on-Shannon is identified as the driver of ‘tourism clusters’ if their built form and character is protected unrelated3.1-Y to the product itself. Although not quantified3.1-Z in value of the Shannon’s shores and hinterland. natural, scientificthe and region social and has importance. the ability to accommodate significant de- from insensitive development. monetary terms in this study, inappropriate development in the The form narro ofw a housingnd windin ong Camlin sensitiveNaviga landscapestion, roughly 5km and i n the length provi, skirts- velopment and support services, whilst having regard to the the eastern border of a raised bog (Cloondara Bog). The surrounding 6.3.7 The small villages of sion of adhoc mooring facilities does impact negatively on the sensitive riverbank. There is a specific need for a riverfront Arigna, Jamestown and landscape is variable. Adjacent to the river there are broad areas of flat, 128 wet meadows. On the higher ground there is a dispersed scattering of farmsteads and the large pastures, remnant woods and walls surrounding Widespread consultation with stakeholders Brianstown House. Conifer plantations in various stages of development underpinned the studies. are prominent throughout the landscape. Waterways Corridor Study 2005 The five Waterway Corridor Studies from North to South are: APPENDIX B 3.1.1.7 Termonbarry to Lanesborough This section is characterised by a flat, wet landscape adjacent to the particularly broad, sluggish stretch of the Shannon River. A raised, 2005 Upper Shannon navigation to Roosky 2004 Roosky to Lanesborough and the Royal Canal LIST OF VERBAL CONSULTEES undulating area to the east of the river in the northern portion (Knappoge, west of Cloondara) is the only exception, with a dispersed row of houses Jack O’Keefe ESB fronting the single local road parallel to the river (3.1-Aa). 2004 Lanesborough to Shannonbridge, including Kevin Currid Lough Allen Adventure Arigna Miners Way & Historical Trail Committee Bord na Móna’s harvesting of the expansive bogs to west and east of the 2002 Shannonbridge to Meelick including the Grand Canal 2006 Lower Shannon from Meelick to City Joe Lowe Leitrim County Enterprise Board river dominates the land use. Peat stockpiles and rising dust are visible Gerry Murtagh Moonriver Pleasure Cruiser from the river. Drainage channels from the bogs enter the river Joe Gillespie periodically (3.1-Bb) and a Bord na Móna rail bridge with a lifting section John Langworth Waterways Ireland 3.1-W 3.1-X crosses the river. Afforestation of the lands adjacent the Bord na Móna Des Gillett Tara Cruisers peatlands is a prominent feature, encroaching onto the river banks in Padraig McDonnell Bord Failte Eireann Just south of the junction of the Cloondara Canal and the Camlin River places. A private marina development adjacent a farmstead on the west Fergus Lynch Shannon Regional Fisheries Board another lock gives access to Richmond Harbour (3.1-Y), the terminus of bank is unsightly. The afforested Slieve Bawn mountains nearby to the Catherine Morgan Shannon Regional Fisheries Board the Royal Canal and core of the village of Cloondara. East of the junction west are a dominant feature (3.1-Cc), along with the old and new (under Donal Conlon Marina Owner Carnadoe Bridge the modern N5 bridge over the Camlin Navigation is of unsympathetic construction) peat-fuelled power stations at Lanesborough, which are Lough Allen Joanne Hayes Breifne Tourism Company design (3.1-Z), in stark contrast to the adjacent canal and historic bridge. intermittently but prominently visible to the south. Alan Hill Western Development Tourism Programme LEITRIM Enda Thompson Project Bernadetter Ni Cathain Ecologist with Shannon River Basin Project Waterways Corridor Study 2004 - Shannon River and Royal Canal 22 Tom Maher Hollywell B&B Carrick-on-Shannon The Heritage Council Boyle & District Angling Club Waterways Corridor Study 2005 Lough Key STRATEGIC AIM Carrick-on-Shannon Dr Caroline Shiel Bat Records, Leitrim • Dr Tina Aughney Bat records Lough Key, Aquatic invertebrates Lough Bofin 6.2.2StephenAssess Heery the carrying capacity of the Generalwaterway Ecology to accommodate furtherDr Roger boating Goodwillie activity. Botany Dr Naomi Kingston Research Branch, NPW John Matthews National Parks and Wildlife Dr Eleanor Mayes Kilgarriff/Annagh Upper Area of Lough Allen Dr Jim MartinObjective No.7 BECRecommended Consultants re: National Native Action Woodland Survey Timescale Responsible Bodies Monitoring ROSCOMMON Dept. of Agriculture Mink farm licences Paul Garland Inland Water Association of Ireland (IWAI) Lanesborough Peter Rafter Roscommon County Enterprise Board • Develop and manage the growth Undertake an assessment on the carrying Medium -Term Waterways Ireland; Status of feasibility study Caroline Hurley Irish Peatland Conservation Council and whether it has WESTMEATH ofFiona recreational Dunne boating on the Up- capacityGeological of Surveythe Upper of Ireland Shannon to accom- Heritage Council perJoe ShannonCaffrey in a sustainable manner modateCentral additional Fisheries Board recreational boat users commenced. whilstRegional ensuring Staff that public access is andNational to assess Parks and the Wildlife impact Service of boating on Lough Ree • provided and maintained to the wa- sensitive habitats. terways for recreational purposes. In addition all those who attended the public consultation GALWAY • Royal Canal events at Roosky, Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle and Drum- shanbo. 140 Shannonbridge Explanation: Grand Canal • • DetailedThe busy, water-based recommendations tourist industry is of aremajor madeeconomic importancefor in the Upper Shannon, although no study has been done on the capacity of the study area to accommodate further boating activity. Boating numbers on the Shannon have increased substantially over the years and the current figure of 5,217 registered boats is continuously growing from 3,876 boats in 2000 policy-makingto 4,479 boats in 2002. and This reflectsfor implementation. a growing interest in boating nationwide.This Waterways Ireland reports that recreational use of the navigation is only 10 – 15% of predicted capacity. However, Recommendationno assessment has been carried highlights out to date onthe the impactsimportance of boating on of sensitive habitats such as reed-beds. Boats with shallow hulls and different hull forms and other features to prevent OFFALY assessingunnecessary ecologicalthe carrying damage are usedcapacity in sensitive ofand protectedboating waterways on the in the UK (e.g. see www.broads-authority.gov.uk) and could be phased in here if necessary. • waterway to ensure its sustainable development.

CLARE Maps were made of key features of the waterway corridors, like the bogs of the midlands. As Bord na Móna reduces the level of turf-cutting, there is a need to address the future of the peatlands TIPPERARY © /Government of Ireland • Limerick surrounding the waterways, particularly the Copyright Permit No. MP 007808 . LIMERICK OSI Licence No: EN0059208 99

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