Waterways Corridor Study 2005 Waterways Corridor Study 2005 A study of the area surrounding Upper Shannon Navigation, Boyle River Navigation to Roosky, including L. Allen, L. Key and the Carnadoe Waters Produced by Colin Buchanan and Partners in association with John Cronin & Associates, Dr Niamh Roche Waterways Corridor Study 2005 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to thank the following for their contribution to this study: The Steering Group for their commission and direction, ongoing advice and input, and their commitment and enthusiasm to this project: Colin Becker, Ruth Delany, Dr. John Keane and Beatrice Kelly, The Heritage Council; Ray Dunne, Eamon McMorrow, Dr. Paula Treacy and Cormac McCarthy Waterways Ireland; Ciaran M. Tracey, Leitrim County Council Frank Flanagan and Nollaig McKeon, Roscommon County Council The Project Team for their professionalism and dedication for the subject throughout this project: Paul McTernan, Regional Director, Colin Buchanan and Partners Mary Hughes, Associate Director, Colin Buchanan and Partners Jennifer Foy, Graduate Planner, Colin Buchanan and Partners Guy Bartley, Principal Landscape Architect, Colin Buchanan and Partners Aoife Curran, Graphic Designer, Colin Buchanan and Partners Dr. Niamh Roche, Consultant Ecologist John Cronin, Director, John Cronin & Associates Kate Robb, Senior Archaeologist, John Cronin & Associates A special thanks is accorded to Carrick Craft who provided a boat during the month of October to facilitate surveying of the study area from the water. The authors also express their gratitude to all of those who participated in workshops and submitted their views of issues of significance, either verbally or through written submission, within the study area. May 2005 2 Waterways Corridor Study 2005 TABLE OF CONTENTS .0 INTRODUCTION Background Project Brief Approach and Methodology Why do we Need a Study? How to use this document 2.0 PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF INLAND WATERWAYS Management of the Waterways Policy Context Planning Context .0 OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS User Groups Stakeholders Involvement Community Consultation Events 4.0 DEFINING THE WATERWAY CORRIDOR Approach LANDSCAPE CHARACTER MAP OF STUDY MAP LOUGH ALLEN CORRIDOR MAP 2 A - AREA Primary and Secondary Approach Settlement and Economic Corridor Cultural/Historic Corridor Ecological Corridor DRUMSHANBO - CARRICK-ON-SHANNON - COOTEHALL CORRIDOR MAP 2 B - AREA 2 Corridor Approach Landscape and Visual Corridor Settlement and Economic Corridor Cultural/Historic Corridor Ecological Corridor Waterways Corridor Study 2005 LOUGH KEY- COOTEHALL CORRIDOR MAP 2 C - AREA Corridor Approach Landscape and Visual Corridor Settlement and Economic Corridor Cultural/Historic Corridor Ecological Corridor CARRICK-ON-SHANNON – ROOSKY CORRIDOR MAP 2 B - AREA 4 Corridor Approach Landscape and Visual Corridor Settlement and Economic Corridor Cultural/Historic Corridor Ecological Corridor LOUGH BODERG – CARNADOE WATERS MAP 2 D - AREA 5 Corridor Approach Landscape and Visual Corridor Settlement and Economic Corridor Cultural/Historic Corridor Ecological Corridor 5.0 ROBUSTNESS AND SENSITIVITY Statement of Heritage Significance Threats to Heritage Significance 6.0 ACHIEVING THE VISION Policies and objectives Socio-economic framework Implementation and Monitoring 7.0 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Introduction Screening Statement Statement on the Likely Impact on the Environment of Implementing the Policies of this Study 4 Waterways Corridor Study 2005 APPENDIX A List of written submissions received APPENDIX B List of verbal consultees APPENDIX C List of abbreviations APPENDICES ON DISC: APPENDIX : Planning and Socio-Economic Context APPENDIX 2: Archaeological and Built Heritage APPENDIX : Natural Heritage LIST OF MAPS Landscape Character Map of Study Area Map 1 Lough Allen Corridor Map 2 A Area 1 Drumshanbo - Carrick-on-Shannon - Cootehall Corridor Map 2 B Area 2 Lough Key - Cootehall Corridor Map 2 C Area 3 Carrick-on-Shannon – Roosky Corridor Map 2 D Area 4 Lough Boderg – Carnadoe Waters Map 2 E Area 5 Socio-economic Map 3 Services and Facilities - Lough Allen to Carrick Map 4 A Services and Facilities - Carrick to Roosky Map 4 B 5 Waterways Corridor Study 2005 01 INTRODUCTION 6 Waterways Corridor Study 2005 SECTION ONE .2 Project Brief . Approach and Methodology INTRODUCTION .2. The overall aim of the study is to: .. This study was advanced through a series of stages, each forming an independent unit within the overall body of The greatest waterway in these islands, the River Shannon • Identify ways to manage the waterways corridor the project and enabling the logical progression of the study attracts thousands of visitors every year. Some are almost environment to the benefit of all, i.e. heritage, land and water- from inception through to completion. permanent inhabitants, others occasional guests, but everyone based users; and to falls under its spell, determined to return and savour once 1.3.2 The purpose of the first stage was to gain a thorough more its undeniable mystique. • Improve understanding of an area, and by this un- understanding of the Shannon waterways systems and their Extract from ‘By Shannon Shores’ - Ruth Delany, 987 derstanding ensure retention of the distinctiveness of a place, wider zone of influence through desktop research, consulta- while allowing for development and evolution of use for the tion and both land and water-based field surveys. Background future. .. The purpose of the second stage was to assimilate 1.1.1 The Heritage Council commissioned its first Water- .2.2 The study seeks to identify distinctive aspects of the the data gathered in Stage with a view to arriving at a fuller ways Corridor Study in 200 to recognise and seek ways to waterways corridor and to assess their significance. Recom- understanding of the history, heritage and dynamics that influ- realise the potential of the waterways as a heritage, amenity mendations for the retention and enhancement of significant ence the corridor. Building on the research undertaken in the and tourism resource along a stretch of the Lower Shannon aspects of the waterways are drawn up along with policies first stage and involving further public consultation, a corridor taking in part of the Grand Canal. Following the successful for appropriately designed and located waterway regeneration was defined and a notional line drawn on a map. This is de- completion of this Pilot Study the Heritage Council in part- projects. Pragmatic actions are required that can be realised scribed in section 4. nership with Waterways Ireland and relevant local authorities over a 0 year timescale and in this regard responsibility for commissioned two further studies in 200. These studies ex- the implementation of such actions is identified. Thus, the final 1.3.4 Taking the corridor as five distinct units: Lough Al- amined two different areas of the waterways; from Roosky to report will identify policies and actions that can be linked to len; Drumshanbo - Cootehall; Lough Key; Carrick-on-Shannon Lanesborough, down the Royal Canal from Tarmonbarry to existing initiatives within the Waterways Corridor or can be – Roosky; and Lough Boderg – Grange Lough – Carnadoe Thomastown and an area of the Longford Branch of the Royal implemented independently by bodies such as local authori- Waters the heritage has been assessed and a Statement of Canal; and from Lanesborough to Shannonbridge including all ties and community organisations. Significance drawn. This led to identifying a vision for the Cor- of Lough Ree and the River Suck. ridor. The final stage involved discussing the vision for the wa- .2. The implementation of the Plan is critical and it is terway at public consultation events and building up policies ..2 This Waterways Corridor Study is the fourth study intended that this study becomes a pro-active document, guid- and actions that can link in with existing initiatives within the on the Shannon Navigation. The study recognises and seeks ing future statutory plans and the activities of other bodies Waterways Corridor, or alternatively that can be taken for- ways to realise the potential of the waterways within a frame- involved in the day-to-day management and operation of the ward by the appropriate authorities. work of conservation along the Upper Shannon Navigation waterways. The significance attached to a place is something upstream from Roosky including the Carnadoe Waters, Boyle that lives in the local culture and society, as much as being de- River Navigation, Lough Allen and Lough Key and up to the fined by a professional opinion. In this regard extensive public 6th lock of the Shannon-Erne Waterway in Leitrim Village. consultation has been undertaken as part of the study. Thus, The study team comprises of Colin Buchanan & Partners some level of responsibility in implementing the Plan must rest (CBP) in association with co-consultants John Cronin & As- with the community. sociates and Dr. Niamh Roche. 7 Waterways Corridor Study 2005 .4 Why do we need a study? provides a descriptive summary of the entire study area from its past to this present day, detailing the key points in relation .4. The Shannon navigation and our waterways are a na- to built and natural heritage. The built heritage as it falls within tional asset which needs to be protected and nurtured for the study area is explained in greater detail in the Archaeo- future generations also need to be maintained as a real liv- logical, Built and Industrial Heritage context report, whilst the ing, working environment. As the economy prospers; as more Natural Heritage context report provides greater detail on boats are registered on the waterways; as tax incentives drive wider ecological issues. Both these detailed reports form Ap- development; and as new roads are constructed opening up pendix Two and Three of the electronic appendices. new lands for development and making the waterways acces- sible to weekend users, there is a need to manage our national .5.5 Section Five sets out a thorough statement of sig- asset and ensure its long-term survival as a significant national nificance for the waterway and discussion of vulnerabilities/ recreational and educational resource.