Outdoor recreation potential for the canal

OUTDOOR recreation activities on water at the Grand Canal are being considered in a new study.

A report launched this week by Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland highlights potential for outdoor recreation opportunities of the canal, from Portobello to Kylemore Road.

The report recommends a collaborative, community-based to unlock on-water opportunities in an area that has limited on-water activity at present, even though it has one of the longest stretches of the canal in the city with no navigation locks.

According to the report, the Grand Canal and its towpaths represent a significant water asset for local communities, and visitors to the city.

Speaking on behalf of Dublin City Council, Derek Kelly, Director of Services and Bruce Phillips, Area Manager said they look forward to working with Waterways Ireland and local communities to “promote access and use of this valuable resource”.

Máirín Ó Cuireáin, Dublin Development Manager, Waterways Ireland said the welcome collaboration with the city council will see the process increase activation and animation along the canal.

Commissioned jointly by Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland, the report by Irish Leisure Consultants is informed by the views and knowledge of local communities and stakeholders, as well as the ambitions of national and local strategies and plans.

The consultation process also identified recreational users of the canal, environmental stewardship, heritage, and active travel.

An initial programme of community-based activities and leadership training is recommended by the report to enhance engagement, followed by the physical development of a series of links, nodes and zones along the canal.

In Spring and Summer 2023, the project partners will work with local stakeholders to pilot a number of on-water activities and explore sustainable initiatives.

The Grand Canal Recreation Activation and Animation: Portobello to Kylemore Road Report can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/3WHrTgH