Connaught Harbour Upgrade

Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, in the company of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte TD, launched the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour, Portumna, Co Galway, following a €2.8m investment, marking a significant milestone in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan.

The redevelopment project is one of two tourism and navigation projects in Portumna, which fall under the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, a collaborative project led by Waterways Ireland with Fáilte Ireland and 10 Local Authorities along the River Shannon and 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 amongst Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

The redevelopment of Connaught Harbour includes an 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 Lough Derg Blueway; additional parking facilities including EV chargers; and improvements to the visual impact of the harbour, creating a sense of arrival in the town.

Also officially opened is the first phase of the extension of Lough Derg Blueway, connecting Connaught Harbour to Castle Harbour. At circa 3km in length, it forms a link between the two Waterways Ireland owned harbours as well as the 30km of cycling and walking trails in the forest park and the linear trail of over 10km to Meelick Weir.

Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, said that Fáilte Ireland is committed to sustainable tourism development that not only enhances visitor experiences but also supports local communities and protects our natural heritage.