Alison Alderton reports…
WATERWAYS Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, in the company of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte TD, have officially launched the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour, Portumna, Co Galway. This €2.8m investment is a significant milestone in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan.
The redevelopment of Connaught Harbour, one of two significant tourism and navigation projects in Portumna, falls under the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, a collaborative project led by Waterways Ireland with Fáilte Ireland and 10 local authorities along the River Shannon and Shannon-Erne Waterway. The masterplan, launched in 2020, aims to position the Shannon as a destination for international and domestic tourism, transforming the region into a key tourist destination among Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. It is the first dedicated plan undertaken on the entire Shannon region, setting out a bold and integrated framework for sustainable tourism development along the Shannon, and is already delivering impressive results.
This most recent redevelopment project includes a significant expansion of the number of mooring berths in Connaught Harbour for public use to 28 which will further enhance the already thriving boating and cruise hire sector in the region. The investment includes the addition of canoe steps for access to the Lough Derg Blueway; additional onshore facilities such as seating, picnic areas and a pavilion structure; a new cycle and walking trail linking Connaught Harbour to Portumna town and the Lough Derg Blueway; additional parking facilities including EV chargers, and improves the visual impact of the harbour, creating a sense of arrival in the town.
Also officially opened is the first phase of the extension of the Lough Derg Blueway, connecting Connaught Harbour to Castle Harbour. At around 3km in length, it forms a vital link between the two Waterways Ireland-owned harbours as well as the 30km of cycling and walking trails in the local forest park and the linear trail of more than 10km to Meelick Weir. The weir is a critical and impressive piece of infrastructure used in maintaining the navigation level between Lough Derg and Lough Ree – the River Shannon’s two largest lakes.
Commenting on the completion of Connaught Harbour, Éanna Rowe, operations controller, Waterways Ireland said: “Connaught Harbour and Portumna Blueway are key projects in the ambitious Shannon Tourism Masterplan, and Waterways Ireland is delighted to see these projects officially opened today.
“We, along with Fáilte Ireland and 10 local authorities, have agreed a vision to elevate Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, one that will enhance the amenities for local communities while also bolstering tourism across the region.
“At Waterways Ireland our goal is to reimagine, maintain, develop and promote Ireland’s inland navigations to sustain communities and offer people opportunities for recreation and tourism.
“The ambitious project sees the transformation of Connaught Harbour into a new visitor destination, coupled with the developments at Portumna, further upgrading these local amenities for the benefit of all.
“At Waterways Ireland, we want to encourage participation among locals and visitors by providing new opportunities to inspire curiosity and adventure along our waterways and we are immensely pleased to open these new sites for the public today.”
Orla Carroll, director of product development at Fáilte Ireland, said: “Fáilte Ireland is committed to sustainable tourism development that not only enhances visitor experiences but also supports local communities and protects our natural heritage.
“Our €1.3 million investment for the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour will help transform the destination’s outdoor tourism offering by providing a cruise hire hub, improved access to water facilities and a new cycling and walking trail to link the harbour to Portumna town. Today, we’re pleased to announce this project in partnership with Waterways Ireland is now complete and open to the public.”
Portumna
The market town of Portumna in the south-east of Co Galway is linked to Co Tipperary by bridge. This historic crossing point over the River Shannon has seen numerous ferries and bridges span the river’s width prior to its entry into Lough Derg. The current structure, with its opening span for boat traffic, was designed by C E Stanier of London and completed in 1911.
The visitor will find numerous attractions in and around Portumna including the Portumna Union Workhouse, which contains the only centre telling the history of workhouses in Ireland, Portumna Castle, a fortified manor house with gardens and the Portumna Forest Park spanning 1500 acres of land with lakeside walks and the remains of a Cistercian abbey. The town offers a range of shopping and eating opportunities through independent stores, bars and cafes. Anglers and boaters are well catered for with Emerald Star Line hiring boats from Connaught Harbour – an ideal base from which to explore more of the Lough Derg area by water.
