Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, in the company of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, have officially launched the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour, in Portumna, Co. Galway, following a €2.8 million investment, marking a significant milestone in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan.
The redevelopment of Connaught Harbour includes a significant expansion of the number of mooring berths in the harbour for public use, which will further enhance the 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 and picnic areas, a new cycle and walking trail linking Connaught Harbour to Portumna Town and the Lough Derg Blueway, and additional parking facilities, including EV chargers.
‘Outdoor Tourism Offering’
“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,” said Orla Carroll, director of product development at Fáilte Ireland.
“Today, we’re pleased to announce this project in partnership with Waterways Ireland is now complete and open to the public.”
Shannon Tourism Masterplan
The redevelopment project is one of two significant tourism and navigation projects in Portumna that fall under the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, a collaborative project led by Waterways Ireland with Fáilte Ireland and ten local authorities along the River Shannon and the Shannon-Erne Waterway.
This masterplan 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.
Lough Derg Blueway
The redevelopment of Connaught Harbour includes a significant expansion of the number of mooring berths in the harbour for public use, which will further enhance the thriving boating and cruise-hire sector in the region.
Also officially opened is the first phase of the extension of Lough Derg Blueway, connecting Connaught Harbour to Castle Harbour. At approximately three kilometres in length, it forms a vital link between the two Waterways Ireland-owned harbours, as well as the 30 kilometres of cycling and walking trails in the forest park and the linear trail of over ten kilometres to Meelick Weir.
‘New Opportunities’
“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,” said Éanna Rowe, operations controller, Waterways Ireland.
“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.”
