Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

MI had a very productive meeting with Éanna Rowe (Regional Manager for the West, with responsibility for the management, maintenance and development of the Shannon) and a technical member of his team at which was discussed the provision of official Aires type facilities at marinas.
Following a presentation by MI it was decided that Waterways Ireland would embark on a trial roll-out of three or four marinas.
All going well, the long-term objective of Éanna is the creation of a Shannon Driving Route with overnight parking available at all the marinas, basically a parallel product to the river cruiser one.
WI clearly understand the financial benefits which can accrue to them and the marina towns/villages along The Shannon by extending their business model to include the provision of 'berthing facilities' for motorhomes.

Had the opportunity to use a Waterways stopover and make use of it's facilities in Leitrim a few days ago (review later today), thought I would take a picture of the talked about Waterways card for anyone that hasn't used one yet.

You can buy them online here and a downloadable Pdf file with all the outlets as well.
SMART CARDS

Just heard that Waterways Ireland plan to cut provision of facilities for boaters from Nov. Not much point in having WI card when it will not give access to facilities. Apparently even the shower and toilet facilities access will be denied for about 5 months of the year. Financial cutbacks given as reason.

If boating community are going to lose these facilities what chance have we as motorhomers got?

Anyone got any update on this as it appears a regressive move.. Both motorhomers and the boating community use their assets year long but WI and I guess Bord Failte have yet to realise this and maintain the provision of facilities built at great cost.

It is Only water and electric on the boat moorings which will be affected, the service blocks will be available.
The reason is mainly flooding and frost which frequently occurs during the winter months

I hope the provision of facilities will be continued but am not holding my breath....Below is a reply I received from WI earlier this year which indicates that facilities will be closed between Oct to mid Mar....
It was a member of the boating community who informed me re the planned closure of facilities for the winter period. These are facilities which they pay for... I will make contact again with WI to try to get the correct lowdown on what is being done. I hope to be down Garrykennedy way again soon so will check what is available.

Reply from WI Mar 2015.
[imgr][/imgr]
"Thank you for your email. I have contacted the Engineer based along the South Shannon area. He has provided the following information with regards to the facilities at Garrykennedy:

The service block in Garrykennedy is normally open from mid-March to the end of September.It was opened for this Summer on Friday 13th March. The facility is a joint venture with Tipperary County Council. The Council are responsible for cleaning the service block and do not clean it during the winter months due to restricted funds.

Waterways Ireland's primary purpose in building the Service Blocks is to facilitate boat users and the Council has a responsibility to provide toilet facilities for the general public. Both bodies have to prioritise their use of funds and do not have the funds to pay for cleaning in the off season when the facilities would be only lightly used."