The inland waterways of the midlands are to be the subject of a study to identify how best they can be managed for everyone's benefit.
Users of the waterways will be invited to make their views heard during the study undertaken by the Heritage Council, in partnership with Offaly and Galway County Councils and Waterways Ireland.
Commissioned in October last year, it will look into land- and water-based uses of the waterways as well as issues of heritage, environment and pollution. The aim is to "improve understanding of the study area to inform development and evolution into future", according to the terms of reference.
The study will examine the corridor along the Grand Canal and River Shannon from Ballycommon to Shannon harbour and from Victoria Lock to Shannon Bridge.
"The study encompasses an examination of the archaeology, industrial heritage, architecture, landscape and ecology of the waterways, as well as wildlife habitats and species. However, other areas such as recreation and tourism, for example cabin cruising, rowing, canoeing, walking, angling and cycling, will also feature. Education will also be an important factor and car-parks and access for the disabled will be assessed." The study will identify "distinctive aspects" of the waterways and ensure appropriate policies for regeneration of those features.
Such distinctive aspects might include the lock house just outside Tullamore town, recently bought and privately restored by the O'Rourke family. Local historians believe it dates from 1798 and bears a French influence.
The owner of the lock house, Mary O'Rourke, is only too glad to see walkers and cyclists on the route stop to admire the estimated £200,000 restoration, overseen by architect Martin Reynolds. The work was given the go-ahead by planners on the basis that the house would be opened to the public at certain times of the year.
Beatrice Kelly, inland waterways heritage officer with the Heritage Council, says a number of the council's earlier proposals have been taken on board by Government. This new study essentially follows on from some of those early recommendations.
It will build on a 1992 strategy to take into account heritage, recreation, tourism, education, interpretation and access. "The idea is to come up with guidelines, which the local authorities will have the option of adopting and following through. The study will have no standing unless people take it further," says Ms Kelly.
Announcing the new waterways study, Mr Michael Starrett, chief executive of the Heritage Council, said that although studies had been commissioned in Britain for this type of subject, none had taken place in Ireland.
"In examining the demand for increased development with the need to safeguard our flora, fauna and industrial archaeology along the waterways, the study findings will provide guidance for the evolution of an integrated approach to waterways management throughout Ireland." A series of public meetings will be held. Presentations on the final study will be made to Offaly and Galway county councils and to the Heritage Council.
The Heritage Council is inviting comments "exploring issues, activities, precedents or ideas that the public may have on the nature, character, extent and future of the waterways corridor".
Submissions may be sent to the Inland Waterways Officer, Heritage Council, Kilkenny; to the heritage officers at Offaly County Council, Courthouse, Tullamore, Co Offaly; or to the heritage officer at Galway County Council, County Buildings, Prospect Hill, Galway. They should arrive no later than February 8th.