Waterways Ireland Sponsorship Programme Opens

Waterways Ireland 2009 Sponsorship Programme for recreational waterway and waterside activity opens this week for events taking place along the Lower Bann Navigation, the Erne System, the Shannon-Erne Waterway, the Shannon Navigation, the Barrow Navigation, the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal.

Taking place annually for the past four years the Waterways Ireland Sponsorship Programme has supported angling, canoeing, rowing, sailing and power-sports; competitions, learning experiences, historical and educational activities.

Éanna Rowe, Head of Marketing and Communications with Waterways Ireland stated that "Communities, clubs and associations in towns and villages, along rural waterways and in waterside urban centres, have participated in small and large events. Huge numbers of people have been encouraged to experience something new about the waterways."

Applications are open to anyone wishing to run recreational waterway and waterside events. For an application pack please contact Damien McWeeney by email at damien.mcweeney@waterwaysireland.org, by telephone at +353 71 96 50787. Terms and conditions do apply. The closing date the receipt of completed applications is 3 February 2009.

Waterways Ireland, the North/South Implementation Body is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway systems throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes.

For further information contact

Katrina Mc Girr
Waterways Ireland Press Officer
Tel no +353 71 96 50622
Mobile +353 87 9918412
Email Katrina.mcgirr@waterwaysireland.org