Plan to make waterways more attractive for public use

The city’s extensive network of canals and waterways should be made more accessible and attractive for the public to use, according to the Draft City Development Plan 2017-2023.

However, the plan stresses that any potential new uses of the River Corrib, a salmonid river, and the historic canals and waterways such as Eglinton Canal and Cathedral River, must not damage the environment and water quality or safety of users.

Among the objectives of the plan is to, “investigate the extensive water resource in the city with a view to exploring where public access and enjoyment can be improved and where potential sustainable uses and water based recreation can be developed to the benefit of the city, and have regard to ecological conservation and safety considerations.”

It also states, however, that any development and new uses along the waterways must, “adhere to the principles of sustainable development and restrict any development or use, which negatively impact on water quality.”

The city’s waterways, including rivers, canals and coastline, are significant “wildlife and biodiversity corridors” in the urban setting.

“The canal system is an important architectural feature of the industrial past and economic and physical evolution of the city. The canal system requires special consideration in order to respect its setting and to ensure any developments abutting the canal do not disproportionately affect its amenity and aesthetic quality.

“Public accessibility to the canal will be encouraged in the design of developments, where feasible,” it says.

Another aim set out in the plan is to encourage uses “which will facilitate conservation of the industrial archaeology legacy of mill buildings, warehouses and associated features.”

The plan stipulates that new developments adjacent to the Corrib should not “adversely affect the safe and accessible navigation of the river”.

The plan seeks to ensure the “protection of the River Corrib as a Salmonid River, where appropriate” and it also announces that the “Council will seek to designate shore fishing areas at appropriate locations in the city”.

In relation to flood risks, the plans states that the City Council aims to “facilitate sustainable flood defence and coastal protection works in order to prevent flooding and coastal erosion subject to environmental and visual considerations.”