Green Limerick: Help your area become more ‘vibrant and accessible’ by 2030

WATERWAYS Ireland is encouraging Limerick residents to give their opinions on how to make their local waterways more enjoyable and accessible.

The body is opening a public consultation for its Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030, inviting Limerick residents to have their say to help shape the future of Ireland’s waters - the River Shannon being one of those.

This plan aims to prioritise the conservation, protection and promotion of natural heritage along our shared waterways.

This includes preserving the ecosystems that are home to a diverse range of plants and animals.

It also endeavours to support community engagement and education in conservation initiatives, raising awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.

READ MORE: Increase of new cars in Limerick as national average decreases

The public consultation for the 2030 plan will close on October 4.

Members of the public are invited to review the draft plan and have their say by completing the online survey.

Dr Paula Treacy, head of Environment and Heritage Section Waterways Ireland, said: “The Waterways Ireland Heritage and Diversity plan 2030 seeks to foster a deeper connection between communities and their local waterways.

“By participating in this consultation, the public can help shape the future of our waterways, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.

“In our promotion of heritage and biodiversity, we strive to enhance the appreciation of our natural landscapes and heritage sites.”

Through collaborative efforts with local community groups, educational institutions and conservation organisations, Waterways Ireland aims to build a network of engaged citizens in Limerick and further afield.

The hope is that people living in their local areas will appreciate and enjoy their local lakes, rivers and otherwise other waterways in their locality.

Speaking further on this, Dr Treacy added: “This collaborative approach aims to not only enrich the heritage and community-centred foundation of the 2030 plan, but also to contribute to the ecological health and sustainability of our waterways, providing benefits for both people and nature.”

Waterways Ireland is the navigation authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of almost 1,100km of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes.

This is Waterways Ireland’s second Heritage Plan.

The first was launched in 2016, which strived to “identify and protect the unique waterways of Ireland and promote its sustainable use for the enjoyment of this and future generations”.

This new plan builds on the successes and learning from the first plan.

The online survey where Limerick residents can engage in will be accessible via the Waterways Ireland website on Monday, September 2, from 7pm to 9pm and Wednesday, September 4, from 10am to 12pm.

Waterways Ireland manages the Shannon Navigation, meaning they oversee the harbours and marinas along the River Shannon, as well as services such as showers, slipways, toilets and more which are dotted along the river and the amenities it has.

Waterways Ireland is a public body that looks after the Shannon Navigation, stretching across 238km, including Limerick.

All water sports and multi-activity trails for canoeists, walkers and cyclists are managed by the organisation.