Fáilte Ireland has launched a feasibility study focusing on sustainable development for the cruise-hire sector, aiming to enhance visitor experiences along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway until 2033.
The study emphasizes transitioning cruise-hire fleets from diesel to electric or hydrogen-powered engines, encouraging eco-friendly practices, infrastructure improvements, and collaboration among stakeholders to minimize environmental impact.
An Implementation Group has been formed, comprising cruise hire operators, local authorities, and associations, to collaborate on executing the sustainable development roadmap.
Speaking at the initial meeting Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, said: “This first meeting marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable future for the cruise-hire sector. Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of tourism across the country and the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway is a key asset in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. It’s important that we look for every opportunity to innovate, improve and enhance our tourism offering across the region, to attract both domestic and international visitors. This feasibility study offers a valuable roadmap to develop the cruise hire sector and the destination up to 2033, ensuring that sustainability is our primary focus. We look forward working closely with all stakeholders including Waterways Ireland and Irish Boat Rental Association to rejuvenate and diversify the fleet, providing a world-class visitor experience while minimising our carbon footprint.”
Brian Treacy, Western Regional Manager at Waterways Ireland shared: “Waterways Ireland is delighted to see the launch of this study. The study sets out an ambitious plan for sustainable development and growth across the cruising sector with a key focus on the greening of the industry. Waterways Ireland is committed to working with all stakeholders within the industry to deliver upon the objectives outlined within the study.”
Steve Conlon, Director of Irish Boat Rental Association shared: “The Irish Boat Rental Association welcomes the publishing of this important study by Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland. The KPMG study will provide an important roadmap for the future of the industry not only from the boating point of view but will guide future investment into the infrastructure needed to develop Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands into a major European eco-tourism destination. IBRA members have already embarked on a sustainable tourism voyage and this study will provide us with a valuable chart with which to navigate the future of boating on the Shannon. We have already put in place some of the recommendations contained in this study and we look forward to working with Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland to develop the cruise hire sector to be fully aligned with all of the brand values of the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands tourism destination brand.”
