Fáilte Ireland has published a comprehensive study to rejuvenate and sustainably develop the cruise-hire sector in Ireland.
The Feasibility Study on the Future Development and Greening of the Cruise Hire Sector aims to support the sector to transition towards more sustainable practices and enhance the visitor experiences along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway up to 2033.
Developed in collaboration with Waterways Ireland, the Irish Boat Rental Association and Local Authorities along the navigation, the study outlines a roadmap for the sector’s development up to 2033, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2021.
A key recommendation from the study is to transition cruise-hire fleets away from diesel to engines powered by electricity or hydrogen.
Some early adopters in this area have already successfully transitioned from diesel to hydronated vegetable oil this year, a practice that is being positively viewed by the wider sector.
The roadmap also recommends adopting eco-friendly practices and infrastructure improvements to minimise environmental impact; expanding and enhancing existing marinas to meet increasing demand; enhancing customer experience through the development of interactive maps; and fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders for successful implementation.
Fáilte Ireland brought key stakeholders together in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim for the inaugural meeting of an Implementation Group to discuss the execution of the plan. This meeting marks the beginning of a collaborative effort between cruise hire operators, the Irish Boat Rental Association, Waterways Ireland, the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and Local Authorities located along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway to help the cruise hire sector to develop more sustainably in the future.
Speaking at the initial meeting Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, said: “This first meeting marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable future for the cruise-hire sector. Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of tourism across the country and the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway is a key asset in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”
“It’s important that we look for every opportunity to innovate, improve and enhance our tourism offering across the region, to attract both domestic and international visitors. This feasibility study offers a valuable roadmap to develop the cruise hire sector and the destination up to 2033, ensuring that sustainability is our primary focus. We look forward working closely with all stakeholders including Waterways Ireland and Irish Boat Rental Association to rejuvenate and diversify the fleet, providing a world-class visitor experience while minimising our carbon footprint.”
Brian Treacy, Western Regional Manager at Waterways Ireland said: “Waterways Ireland is delighted to see the launch of this study. The study sets out an ambitious plan for sustainable development and growth across the cruising sector with a key focus on the greening of the industry. Waterways Ireland is committed to working with all stakeholders within the industry to deliver upon the objectives outlined within the study.”
Steve Conlon, Director of Irish Boat Rental Association said: “The Irish Boat Rental Association welcomes the publishing of this important study by Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland. The KPMG study will provide an important roadmap for the future of the industry not only from the boating point of view but will guide future investment into the infrastructure needed to develop Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands into a major European eco-tourism destination. IBRA members have already embarked on a sustainable tourism voyage and this study will provide us with a valuable chart with which to navigate the future of boating on the Shannon. We have already put in place some of the recommendations contained in this study and we look forward to working with Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland to develop the cruise hire sector to be fully aligned with all of the brand values of the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands tourism destination brand.”
