Report to be complied on cruiser numbers on the Erne. Failte Ireland and Waterways Ireland are compiling a new report into cruiser numbers on the Erne-Shannon Waterway.
Interestingly, in 2004, 76,000 cruisers travelled on the waterways. By May this year, the number was less than 30,000; having dropped to 35,000 in 2023. Indeed, 21% of the drop occurred in the past five years.
Moreover, Waterways Ireland collate the statistics; by taking note of the various cruisers passing through lough gates and bridges along the Erne and Shannon rivers.
Damien Brady, a Cavan County Councillor based in Ballyconnell, believes local businesses predict 2024 to be a "crisis year" for the sector. The local Councillor highlighted the issue in recent months, calling it a crisis. Cllr Brady pointed out how many local people are at a disadvantage while he spoke to Ronan Gargan on the Wider View.
