Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Plan Public Consultation
Have your say on the new Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Plan
We are delighted to launch the public consultation of the Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Plan 2030. This draft Plan outlines our vision for the protection and sustainable management of the natural, built and cultural heritage of Ireland's shared inland navigable waterways.
Public Information and Consultation Sessions:
Participate in the consultation by attending one of the information and consultation sessions online or in person:
On-line
- Monday 2nd September, 7-9pm
- Wednesday 4th September 10am -12 midday
Pre-Register by 30th August by email to martina.mccarthy@waterwaysireland.org indicating your preferred date.
In Person Meetings
- Coleraine (Monday 9th September) Our public consultation event will include a dedicated two-hour autism-friendly session from 1-3pm, designed to provide a welcoming and accommodating environment for persons with autism and their families. This session will feature reduced sensory stimulation, clear communication, and flexible participation options to ensure everyone can comfortably engage and share their valuable input.
- Council Chamber, Coleraine Town Hall, The Diamond, Coleraine, BT52 1DE (3 pm – 8 pm)
- Dublin (Wednesday 11th September) This public consultation session features an inclusive, community-based workshop, with a special invitation to waterway volunteers, where participants can freely contribute their insights, memories, and suggestions. These interactive sessions will create a collaborative visual record, welcoming input from people of all ages and abilities to shape our understanding and future plans for our shared waterways heritage and biodiversity.
- The Croke Park Hotel, Jones’s Road, Dublin 3, D03 E5Y8 (3 pm - 8 pm)
- Naas (Thursday 12th September) This public consultation session features an inclusive, community-based workshop, with a special invitation to older persons, where participants can freely contribute their insights, memories, and suggestions. These interactive sessions will create a collaborative visual record, welcoming input from people of all ages and abilities to shape our understanding and future plans for our shared waterways heritage and biodiversity.
- Luisne Centre, McAuley Place, Sallins Road, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91D62E (3 pm - 8 pm)
- Athlone(Monday 16th September) his public consultation event will feature dedicated Lego, arts, and crafts workshops, designed to engage our younger stakeholders and families in a fun and creative environment. This interactive session provides an opportunity for children to express their ideas and visions for our waterways through hands-on activities, ensuring that voices of all ages contribute to shaping the future of our waterways.
- Northgate Suite, Radisson Blu Hotel, Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 A8X9. (3 pm - 8 pm)
All our public consultation events will be hosted by staff trained in the JAM Card system, pending the official inclusion of Waterways Ireland as a JAM Card programme. This will ensure a more accessible and understanding experience for all attendees. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of visible or hidden disabilities, can communicate their needs comfortably and participate fully in the consultation process.
Filming is taking place at this event. Moving beyond this point means you are giving permission to be included in photography and filming taking place and its use by Waterways Irelands for corporate and promotional purposes.
The 2nd Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan aims to:
- Prioritise the conservation, protection and promotion of natural, built and cultural heritage along our shared waterways, including safeguarding the ecosystems that are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
- Support community engagement and education in conservation initiatives to raise awareness about heritage and foster a sense of stewardship and encourage sustainable practices.
- Maintain and develop partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders.
- Carry out research to support understanding of biodiversity and heritage sites.
This ambitious plan also seeks to foster a deeper connection between communities and their local waterways. By promoting heritage and biodiversity, we strive to enhance the appreciation of our natural landscapes and heritage sites. Our commitment extends to actively involving communities in the stewardship of these vital resources. Through collaborative efforts with local groups, educational institutions, and conservation organisations, we aim to build a network of engaged citizens dedicated to the appreciation and enjoyment of our waterways. This collaborative approach aims to not only enrich the heritage and community-centred foundation of the Plan, but also to contribute to the ecological health and sustainability of our waterways, providing benefits for both people and nature.
By participating in this consultation, you can help shape the future of our waterways, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Public Consultation runs from June 24, 2024 and closes on October 4, 2024.
How can I engage with the consultation process?
View the draft Plan and supporting documents here:
Online Survey
By completing an online survey (link below) on or before Friday 4th October 2024
Written Submissions
All submissions received during the consultation period will be considered and the Plan will be amended, as appropriate. Submissions and queries may be sent by:
Email – send submissions to the Heritage Officer at heritageplan@waterwaysireland.org or martina.mccarthy@waterwaysireland.org
Post – address submissions to Martina McCarthy, Heritage Officer, Waterways Ireland, Dock Road, Drewsborough, Scarriff, Co. Clare, Ireland, V94 H7N1