Shannon-Erne route a huge success

The Shannon-Erne waterway has surprised even its promoters since it was reopened in 1994. The waterway, which links the River Shannon and Upper Lough Erne, was completed in 1860, but only operated for nine years. It's now bringing in a tourism spend of almost £8 million a year.

Extending for just 65 km, the development cost £35 million - provided by the Irish and British Governments, Interreg funds, and the International fund for Ireland. Its opening has created Europe's longest leisure navigation, linking Killaloe in Co Clare and Beleek in Co Fermanagh.

The link to the Ulster Canal starts near Belturbet on the Erne River, where some £12 million of private money has been invested, creating a new marina and base for an expanded Emerald Star fleet. The waterway is sustaining more than 300 jobs in an economically disadvantaged region.

To date, 15,000 vessels have passed through the waterway, more than half of the visitors coming from outside Ireland. Germany, Switzerland and Austria count for more than 35 per cent of all visitor numbers.