Redeveloped Connaught Harbour visitor destination officially opens following €2.8m investment

L-R Anne Rabbitte T.D. Minister of State, Marie Healy, Phil Cargil, Eanna Rowe, Eoghan O’Brien, Cllr Ivan Canning and Paddy Mathews

Failte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and Minister of State Anne Rabbitte have launched a new extension of Connaught Harbour following €2.8 million investment for a redevelopment project.  

This redevelopment project aims to help the cruising and boating infrastructure of the harbour to thrive and grow. Additions to the harbour include an increase in mooring berths for public use, canoe steps for access to the Lough Derg Blueway, a new walking trail, new cycle paths and many new onshore facilities such as extra seating areas and picnic areas.  

New walking and cycling paths have been developed to link Connaught Harbour with the Lough Derg Blueway which runs through Nenagh, Garrykennedy and Dromineer. This aims to foster growth in the areas around the River Shannon which will become key tourist destinations in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.  

Speaking about the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour, Operations Controller of Waterways Ireland, Eanna Row said:  

Connaught Harbour and Portumna Blueway are key projects in the ambitious Shannon Tourism Masterplan, and Waterways Ireland is delighted to see these projects officially opened today. We, along with Fáilte Ireland and 10 Local Authorities have agreed a vision to elevate Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, one that will enhance the amenities for local communities while also bolstering tourism across the region.  

“At Waterways Ireland, our goal is to reimagine, maintain, develop, and promote Ireland’s inland navigations to sustain communities and offer people opportunities for recreation and tourism.  

“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. 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.”