Waterways Ireland – the organisation in charge of the management, development, maintenance, improvement and restoration of Ireland’s navigable inland recreational waterways – has appointed John Tolan marketing and development controller.
Mr Tolan’s role is critical in delivering on the organisation’s 10-year plan, which launched in late 2023.
His remit includes: sustainable development of the waterways to unlock their social, economic and environmental well-being value potential; growing participation on and alongside the waterways in recreation, tourism and volunteering; increasing Waterways Ireland’s profile.
Mr Tolan joins Waterways Ireland after several years as an independent marketing consultant, providing advice and expertise to clients across multiple sectors. Previous roles include 12 years in the drinks industry with Irish Distillers, Pernod Ricard, Diageo and Richmond Marketing, including postings in Sydney, Melbourne, London and Dublin.
Mr Tolan was Marketing Director at Boyne Valley Group for five years and has also led the Marketing functions at EBS (AIB Group) and QSat Broadband.
Speaking on his appointment, John Tolan said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Marketing and Development Controller with Waterways Ireland. Our recently launched 10-year plan lays out our ambitions to reimagine our beautiful waterways for the public good. Having grown up near Lough Erne I’ve always appreciated the waterways’ importance to local communities and businesses, and their attractiveness to visitors from near and far.
“Working with the wider team and all of our stakeholders and partners, we look forward to attracting more people to enjoy our waterways, while preserving and enhancing their natural, cultural and infrastructural assets for the benefit of current and future generations.”
