Fáilte Ireland has published a comprehensive study to rejuvenate and sustainably develop the cruise-hire sector in Ireland.
The Feasibility Study on the Future Development and Greening of the Cruise Hire Sector aims to support the sector to transition towards more sustainable practices and enhance the visitor experiences along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway up to 2033.
The study was developed in collaboration with Waterways Ireland, the Irish Boat Rental Association and Local Authorities along the navigation, the study outlines a roadmap for the sector's development up to 2033, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Government's Climate Action Plan 2021.
"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," said Paul Keeley, director of regional development at Fáilte Ireland.
"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.”
A key recommendation from the study is to transition cruise-hire fleets away from diesel to engines powered by electricity or hydrogen. Some early adopters in this area have already successfully transitioned from diesel to hydronated vegetable oil this year, a practice that is being positively viewed by the wider sector.
The roadmap also recommends adopting eco-friendly practices and infrastructure improvements to minimise environmental impact such as expanding and enhancing existing marinas to meet increasing demand, enhancing customer experience through the development of interactive maps, and fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders for successful implementation.
Fáilte Ireland brought key stakeholders together in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim for the inaugural meeting of an Implementation Group to discuss the execution of the plan.
This meeting marks the beginning of a collaborative effort between cruise hire operators, the Irish Boat Rental Association, Waterways Ireland, the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and Local Authorities located along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway to help the cruise hire sector to develop more sustainably in the future.
