If you’re considering visiting one of Ireland’s beautiful inland waterways for your next adventure, check out our leaflet “Responsible Outdoor Recreation for Inland Waterways”.
Leave No Trace Ireland in collaboration with Waterways Ireland have launched a new outdoor recreational guide for inland waterways based on the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace are:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Be Considerate of Others
- Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
- Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
- Leave What You Find
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Minimise the Effects of Fire
This leaflet is a short guide for inland waterway users on how you can minimise the impact your recreational activity can have on the environment. Whether you want to relax and take in constantly changing views of the Irish countryside by boat or spend your afternoon cycling or walking, then there’s no better way to do it than along the waterways.
Ireland has a wealth of inland waterways – rivers, lakes and canals – which offer unrivalled opportunities to see the countryside from different perspectives. However, the increased popularity of the waterways has led to an increase in impacts. These include unsightly and dangerous rubbish, increased erosion, and the spread of invasive species and aquatic disease. The guide is intended to assist all water users to share the waterways in a sustainable manner ensuring the interests of all are considered and respected.
Cormac McCarthy, Environment and Heritage Officer, said, “As a Leave No Trace Ireland core member, Waterways Ireland was delighted to partner on this skills and ethics leaflet. Our outdoor shared heritage is a precious resource and one we should collectively strive to protect for this and future generations. Waterways Ireland would encourage all our stakeholders to enjoy our inland waterways, in a respectful and sustainable manner.”
Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland said, “We are delighted to team up with Waterways Ireland to launch this outdoor recreation guide for Ireland’s inland waterways. We have tailored the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace to work as a checklist for all recreationists using the waterways. Help us protect our waterways by abiding by the Principles of Leave No Trace.”
The guide is available here on the Leave No Trace Ireland website. For more information on Ireland’s inland waterways in Ireland visit Waterways Ireland.
