The inland waterways have intrinsic value as areas of ecological, archaeological, architectural, engineering and historic value; their size and geographical extent within Ireland are of regional and international significance. The success of Waterways Ireland's activities is dependent upon quality waterway environments.

Consequently, in order to encourage their use as navigation systems and as recreational environments that contribute to the social and economic status of the island, Waterways Ireland recognises the need to conserve and manage its designated network across the island, as resources of environmental and heritage significance and to promote the awareness of this significance to all.

In recognition of this, Waterways Ireland is in the process of developing environment and heritage policy and codes of practice to protect the inland waterways and to ensure they are developed and managed in an environmentally sustainable fashion.