Shannon boat hire company Emerald Star has revealed that it will be investing nearly €2 million in eleven new Horizon-class boats, which will deployed within the next three years.
The company, which currently operates 63 boats based between Carrick-on-Shannon and Portumna, anticipates that average occupancy of the new vessels will be six people per boat, with an approximate rental rate of €2,000 per week.
The new boats, which are being manufactured by Delphia Yachts in Poland, contain three ensuite double cabins, built-in barbecues and rooftop dining areas.
Emerald Star is currently expecting to attract about 8,700 boaters to the Shannon this year and based on an estimated weekly spend of €300 per person, The Irish Times reports that those who avail of the company's services will pump approximately €2.6 million into pubs, restaurants and shops located along the river.
