- Partnership between Meath LSP, Waterways Ireland and Meath County Council delivers landmark facility for anglers of all abilities.
- Funded through Sport Ireland’s Dormant Accounts Programme, the project strengthens inclusive recreation across the county.
19th November, Enfield – Meath Local Sports Partnership (Meath LSP) is excited to announce the official opening of a new accessible fishing platform at Enfield Harbour, the first of its kind in County Meath. Supported through Sport Ireland’s Dormant Accounts Sports Inclusion Capital Programme, the new platform will provide wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility safe, comfortable access to the harbour for fishing. Meath LSP engaged and partnered with Waterways Ireland and Meath County Council to secure a site for the platform.
As part of this initiative, Meath LSP partnered with Waterways Ireland to identify a suitable location in the county for an accessible fishing platform—an amenity that will give people with disabilities the opportunity to engage safely in angling while also offering an important social outlet for individuals and groups. The chosen site in Enfield was developed under the supervision of Waterways Ireland, who manage and control this stretch of water. With their commitment to restoring, developing, and promoting Ireland’s navigable inland waterways for public enjoyment, Waterways Ireland ensured the delivery of a high-quality, sustainable facility that marks a first for County Meath.
Commenting on the launch, Cllr. Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, highlighted the importance of the new platform: “The new accessible fishing platform at Enfield Harbour links strongly with Meath’s rich heritage, and I believe accessible and safe infrastructure such as this plays a massive part in our communities. We are committed to ensuring more inclusive facilities are put in place within the county to meet the joint objectives of Meath County Council and Meath LSP to remove barriers to participation in sport and physical activity.”
Officially opening the platform was Minister Charlie McConalogue T.D. who said: “I am delighted to launch this new accessible fishing platform in Enfield, one of the first in Meath. Angling is one of the country’s oldest pastimes and one that is shared among communities across Ireland. Accessible platforms like this are vital to ensuring that all members of our communities can partake in and enjoy fishing.”
Mary Van Lieshout, Director of Participation, Ethics, Integrity, and Research at Sport Ireland, commented: “I am happy to see Sport Ireland support this vital project that will assist and encourage fishermen and women of all ages and abilities in Meath. Removing barriers to physical activity is one of the key cornerstones of our unit in the organisation and I appreciate the great work that has been undertaken by Meath LSP, Waterways Ireland and Meath County Council in ensuring this project came to life.”
Mary Murphy, CEO, Meath Local Sports Partnership, highlighted the partnership in bringing the project to life: “We are excited and proud to work with Waterways Ireland and Meath County Council on this new accessible fishing platform. The facility aligns with Meath LSP’s strategic plan to promote an inclusive approach to sport and physical activity. We also want to thank the Royal Enfield Coarse Angling Club, who engaged with us throughout this journey to make this new facility possible.”
Jean Errity, Senior Engineer, Waterways Ireland commented, “We were pleased to be asked to work alongside Meath LSP and Meath County Council on this project. The Royal Canal is one of the most historic waterways in the country, and this project will play a small but significant role in the development of the Royal Canal Greenway and in encouraging the use of the waterway for amenity purposes. We believe this new platform will be a vital asset to the community of Enfield and its surroundings.”
The new platform is free to use and available immediately at Enfield Harbour. No advance booking is required.