The Shannon is central to Ireland’s heritage
UPWARDS of 80 stakeholders from the Shannon catchment area attended a seminar held by the Heritage Council to discuss the corridor studies, and how best to plan for the future of the river.
The seminar was arranged to publicise the usefulness of the plans to local authority planners and relevant NGO’s.
An example from Canada, the Rideau Canal, World Heritage Site, gave the discussions an international perspective, as the pressures such as water pollution, invasive species, and inappropriate development along shorelines are common to many waterways.
River Shannon is central to Ireland’s heritage and a focus of different interests for many people be it angling, cruising, generating electricity, water supply, tourism and attractive development sites.
Looking forward, planners and strategists of Ireland’s public bodies are faced with the difficult but vital task of balancing competing interests along the Shannon: conserving important natural, social and built heritage, while allowing for social and economic development.
Making the right decisions requires a detailed knowledge of the current status, environmental and heritage value of the Shannon’s shores and hinterland.
To help with that task, the Heritage Council, in partnership with local authorities, Waterways Ireland, and Shannon Development, has produced five Shannon Waterway Corridor Studies. Together, these studies provide the most comprehensive account of the Shannon’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities for development and threats to its unique appeal.
Beatrice Kelly, head of policy and research, commented: “These corridor studies are a first step towards informing and co-ordinating activities and development along the Shannon. Key recommendations emerging from these plans include focused strategies relating to the conservation of heritage on the islands of the Shannon lakes, a recreational and interpretation strategy for the lower Shannon area and an assessment of the carrying capacity of the Upper Shannon for additional recreational boating”.
An interactive map of the Shannon allowing users to access the information and recommendations in the study is available on, www.heritagecouncil.ie The studies are also on CD ROM, please contact the Heritage Council at 056 7770777
