Businesses along the Shannon-Erne Waterway in Cavan and Leitrim are experiencing a serious downturn in trade. Indeed, the number of cruisers traversing the route has reached "crisis point".
Part of the cruiser experience is to moor your craft at a jetty in one of the pretty villages and towns in Cavan and beyond. Then stocking up on supplies at the nearest supermarket and enjoy a drink or meal at one of the local restaurants or bars. In 2004, 76,000 cruisers and the multiple passengers aboard each boat did just that. By 2023, the number of cruisers decreased by over half to 35,000. Moreover, for 2024, experts expect the number to be even lower.
Sinn Féin Councillor Damien Brady told Zoe Tunney that the business owners he has spoken to are very concerned as the decline is beginning to pinch:
