The IWAI

Cumann Uiscebhealaigh Intíre na hÉireann

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland is a voluntary body of inland waterways enthusiasts who advocate the use, maintenance, protection, restoration and improvement of the inland waterways of Ireland.

The association was founded in 1954 to campaign for the conservation and development of the waterways and in particular their preservation as working navigations. When the Shannon was almost totally undeveloped for pleasure boating, IWAI fought the building of low bridges, thus ensuring the development of the river as an asset for all to use and enjoy.

In the 1960s IWAI successfully fought plans to close the Circular Line of the Grand Canal in Dublin. Later the association campaigned for the re-opening of the Ballinamore & Ballyconnell Canal (now the Shannon-Erne Waterway) and the Naas line of the Grand Canal.

IWAI is the voice of waterways users and enthusiasts.  It represents the views of members to governments (NI & RoI), to Waterways Ireland and other navigation authorities, to local authorities and the range of statutory and state-sponsored bodies whose activities impinge on the waterways in one way or another.

For More information please visit the IWAI Homepage by  clicking here