The largest cross-border infrastructure project of its time, the works involved the restoration of the locks, dredging of the navigation channel, the installation of an electro-hydraulic lock operating system and the use of smart cards to operate the locks and service blocks which were placed at six locations along its length.
The Shannon-Erne Waterway has welcomed 1000's of local and international boaters over the years, and introduced northern boaters to the south and southern boaters to the north, all bringing an economic dividend to places like Leitrim Village, Keshcarrigan, Ballinamore and Ballyconnell.
On the 23rd May the first of the years events, the Paddles Up Transition Year Programme had a group of 100 students crossing the border on a 10km kayak paddle from the South to the North.
Further Events and Activities:
Heritage Boats visit to the Ballinamore Festival, 11-18 August
Exhibitions of heritage materials in Ballinamore Library 1-10 August
Oral history recordings with people who have lives, worked, played and enjoyed the waterway over these 25 years
. To get involved, make a contribution or recommend people to talk to visit www.waterwaysireland.org/SEWoralhistories.
The rolling programme will have events added throughout the year.
Communities and activity clubs along the Shannon–Erne Waterway interested in organising events between 23 May 2019 and 23 May 2020 are asked to contact Waterways Ireland to be added to the events calendar (email to info@waterwaysireland.org).
