A Blueway for West Waterford to be explored

The potential of bringing a Blueway to West Waterford is currently being examined under the Blackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation Feasibility Study.

Included in the study is the potential for the River Blackwater and River Bride to achieve Blueway status, a concept that aims to promote water-based activities and ‘ water-side’ activities suitable for families and beginners.

Sports Ireland also designates Water Trails which can form component parts of Blueways. The study will also examine the potential for stretches of the river to be designated as.

The current feasibility study which is underway, focuses on the provision of outdoor recreation in the Blackwater River Valley area and a public consultation was held by Waterford City and County Council.

The study area is centered on the stretch of the River Blackwater in County Waterford from Ballyduff Upper to the sea at Youghal. Also included in the study area is the River Bride between Tallow and the mouth of the Bride on the River Blackwater.

According to documents associated with the study, it seeks to examine ‘how we can maximise the outdoor recreation potential of the Blackwater River Valley area of West Waterford, while at the same time safeguarding the natural, environmental, and historic characteristics of the area’.

MAXIMISING EXISTING OFFERINGS

Land-based activities such as walking, cycling, horse riding and rock climbing; waterbased activities such as kayaking, swimming, surfing, sailing and fishing and air-based activities such as paragliding and hang-gliding, will all be considered.

“The project also seeks to maximise the potential of existing tourism offerings in the study area, including heritage sites at Lismore, the Waterford Garden Trail, and existing walking trails such as St. Declan’s Way and cycling trails such as Waterford’s on-road cycling trails and EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route. The project also aims to preserve and if possible enhance the natural environment and biodiversity of the Blackwater River Valley.

“It is also very important that this project and any future proposals should be embedded in the local communities along the Blackwater. The sustainable development and management of any proposed projects will be crucial to the long-term success of the initiative. Community and stakeholder involvement from the outset will be key to that success,” the documents add.

It is noted that a key focus of The Blackwater River Valley – Outdoor Recreation project will be the development of services in the existing service centres on the river itself including in Ballyduff, Lismore, Cappoquin, Villierstown and Tallow.

It also aims to promote recreation activities in communities not directly on the river but within the hinterland of the river such as Aglish, Knockanore, Clashmore and Kinsalebeg while also considering linkages with coastal activities.

A consultation hub and online survey regarding the public consultation closed on June 20.