LAUNCH OF "IRELAND'S WATERWAYS, MAP AND DIRECTORY"

The new waterways publication, "Ireland's Waterways, Map and Directory" was officially launched by Mr Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, on Friday 5th January at the London Boat Show in London's Docklands.

The publication was written by the renowned waterways author, Ruth Delany and was produced by Euromapping in association with Waterways Ireland. The Guide provides an introduction to the 1000km of Ireland's inland waterways and includes navigation information, details of boat hire bases and historical notes. The map illustrates the entire waterway system, both in use and derelict/under restoration on the island of Ireland.

The Waterways featured in the Guide are: the Barrow Navigation, the Erne System, the Grand Canal, the Lower Bann Navigation, the Royal Canal, the Shannon Navigation and the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister described the importance of the new publication.

He said, "This beautifully produced publication is a very valuable marketing tool for creating awareness of the waterway amenities on the island of Ireland, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. The ongoing development of the waterways by Waterways Ireland has led to a revitalisation of many towns and villages and provides endless recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike".

Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications with Waterways Ireland spoke of the range of waterways promotional strategies being pursued by the organisation.

He said, "Promoting greater use of the Waterways and building a platform for sustained market development are two of the pillars of the Marketing and Promotion Strategy of Waterways Ireland. The launch of the "Ireland's Waterways, Map and Directory" today, as part of our programme of promotional materials, will contribute towards these aims".

Waterways Ireland is the North/South Implementation Body responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes.

Copies of the "Ireland's Waterways, Map and Directory" may be ordered from the Waterways Ireland Marketing and Communications Division at +44 28 66346 232 (Enniskillen) or +353 71 9650787 (Carrick on Shannon). The Guide costs £11.50 or €15.00.

At the Launch of the new waterways publication, from left, David Edwards-May, Euromapping; Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; John Martin, Chief Executive, Waterways Ireland; and Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing & Communications, Waterways Ireland.

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Further information from:

Ms. Aoife Morrissy, Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 353 71 9650787 or 00 353 87 9918412. Or:
Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 44 28 66346203.

Date: 08.01.2007
PR070001