Plans to turn the country's extensive towpath network into a massive tourism money spinner will be discussed at a conference today.
Ambitious proposals could see 1,000km of trails along the island's best known waterways opened up as an eco-friendly attraction tapping into demand for 'green' holidays. Most of the country's towpaths have become overgrown and unusable since the demise of canals as major transportation routes.
A towpath is a road or track that runs alongside the banks of a river, canal or other inland waterway. Towpaths were once used to allow horses to tow barges along the waterway. While not so commonly used anymore, many towpaths have been converted to multi-use trails.
Today's seminar will examine the economic, leisure, tourism, and heritage potential of the pathways along Ireland's canals and rivers.
Experts believe the routes could be developed for cycling, horse riding, walking and access for people with disabilities.
Éanna Rowe, Waterways Ireland head of marketing and communications, has said he envisages farmers' markets, restaurants and coffee docks alongside urban stretches like the Royal and Grand Canals in Dublin.
The event, organised by the Heritage Council, is being held in the Tullamore Court Hotel.
The body claims that with the restoration of the Royal Canal almost complete, the growing popularity of the Grand Canal and Barrow and possible restoration of the Ulster Canal, the timing is right for new ideas on developing the network.