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Heritage and Biodiversity

Our inland waterways are home to rich natural, built and cultural heritage assets. Waterways Ireland, guided by our Heritage & Biodiversity Plan, is committed to the sustainable management of these assets, for this and future generations.

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Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Plan 2030

Waterways Ireland is taking action, as custodians of our waterways, to protect these shared natural, built and cultural heritage assets.

Building on past successes & partnerships, we aim to conserve, interpret & promote these treasures. 

Join us in protecting them for future generations & ensuring everyone can appreciate their unique value.

Download the 2016 - 2020 Heritage Plan.

A Boatman's Journey

A Boatman’s Journey – Navigating Waterways Ireland heritage through the eyes of a Boatman using StoryMaps

Start your journey
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Community Heritage Grant Scheme

Find out about our dedicated Heritage & Biodiversity Community Grant Scheme – supporting grassroots initiatives across all our waterways each year with €20,000.

See grant scheme
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Heritage and Biodiversity projects

See the wide variety of projects delivered though our Plan since 2016 – including toolkits, virtual reality, detailed reports, short films and children’s activity sheets.

See our projects
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Resources

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  • Built Heritage

    We also conduct surveys to identify and protect the unique built heritage along our waterways.

    View heritage surveys

  • Ecology & Biodiversity

    We conduct surveys of the plants and wildlife in and along our waterways. 

    View environment surveys

  • Cultural Heritage

    We are committed to preserving Ireland's rich heritage.

    See cultural resources

Dive deeper into Ireland's heritage

Explore the story of the waterways through direct contact with original documents from the past. 

Discover the Archive (Opens in a new tab)
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