Annual Report and Accounts Tuaras agu - Waterways Ireland

Annual Report 

and Accounts 

2008

Annual Report 

and Accounts 

2008 

This publication can be obtained from Waterways Ireland in 

alternative formats on request, including large print, Braille, 

audio cassette, computer disc and Ulster Scots. 

Contact Waterways Ireland on Tel +44 (0)28 6634 6205 or 

email info@waterwaysireland.org

Contents 

Part 1 

Part 2 

Foreword by the Chief Executive 5 

Introduction 

Background 9 

Summary of Key Performance Targets and Progress 11 

Goal 1 Manage and Maintain a reliable and a high quality 18 

waterways network. 

Goal 2 Develop and Restore the waterways network 26 

Goal 3 Enhance the existing waterways network to widen its 31 

appeal to users 

Goal 4 Promote increased use of our waterways resource 33 

principally for recreational purposes 

Goal 5 Assess, Manage and Develop the assets of 37 

Waterways Ireland 

Goal 6 Develop an organisation of excellence 40 

Part 3 

Appendix 1 Waterways Ireland – Organisational Chart 51 

Appendix 2 Contact Details 52 

Part 4 

Accounts 55 - 85 

Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2008 

3

Foreword by the Chief Executive 

I am pleased to present this Annual Report and Accounts 

for Waterways Ireland. The report outlines the progress 

and achievements of the organisation during 2008. 

In 2008, Waterways Ireland maintained its commitment 

to the management and sustainable development 

of the waterways under its care. We saw significant 

enhancement of services and facilities designed to 

broaden and improve the user experience in and along our 

navigations. The ongoing upgrading of the navigational 

infrastructure included the provision of new jetties, 

refurbishment and replacement of public moorings 

and recreational facilities as well as bridge repair and 

improvement schemes. This work was supported by a 

programme of planned maintenance which ensured that 

the navigations were available to users throughout the year. 

During 2008 work commenced on the restoration of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough 

Erne to Clones. This project will see the regeneration of an historic waterway with its 

associated heritage and will provide an impetus for social and economic growth in the 

communities along its path. Significant progress was also made in our plans to reconnect 

the Royal Canal with the Shannon, with the completion of one bridge and commencement 

of works to the last remaining bridge on this canal. 

In September 2008, Waterways Ireland moved into a new purpose built headquarters 

building in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, bringing all headquarters staff together for the first 

time since the establishment of the organisation. 

I would like to thank our Ministers and our Sponsor Departments, the Department of 

Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 

for their help and support and I would like to express my gratitude to the Joint Secretariat 

of the North/South Ministerial Council, the Department of Finance and Personnel and 

the Department of Finance and their officers, for their commitment and support. Finally, 

I would like to express my appreciation for the enduring commitment of the staff of 

Waterways Ireland. Their continued enthusiasm for the work of the organisation and for the 

waterways under our care drives the ongoing success of our organisation. 

I look forward to 2009 confident in our ability to address the challenges and opportunities 

it will bring to Waterways Ireland. 

John Martin 

Chief Executive 

24th June 2009 


5

Foreward bae the Cheif Executive 

Am pleased tae present this annual report an acoonts fur 

Watterwyes Irelan. The report ootlines the progress an 

achievements o the organisation durin 2008. 

In 2008 Watterwyes Irelan maintained it’s commitment 

tae the management an sustainable development o the 

Watterwyes unner it’s care. We saw brev enhancement o 

services an facilities designt tae broaden an mak better the 

user experience in an alang ir navigations. 

The ongan upgrading o the navigation infrastructure 

included the provision o new jetties, refurbishment an 

replacement o public moorins an recreational facilitaes as 

weel as brig repair an improvement schames. This work 

wuz supported bae a progamme o planned maintenance 

that ensured the navigations wur available tae users throughout the year. 

Durin 2008 work started on the restoring o the Ulster canal frae Upper Lough Erne tae 

clones. This project ill see the regeneration o a historic Watterwyes wae it’s associated 

heritage, an will provide an impetus fur social an economic growth in the communities 

along it’s path. Gid progress wuz med as weel in ir plans tae join the royal canal wae 

Shannon, wae the finishin o yin brig, an the startin o work tae the last remainin brig on this 

canal. 

In September 2009 Watterwyes Irelan moved intae new purpose built heidquarters buildin 

in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, bringin al the staff the gether fur the first time since the 

setting up o the organisation. 

I wud lik tae thank ir ministers in ir sponsor departments, the department o Culture, Arts 

an Leisure, an the Department o Community, Rural an Gaeltacht affairs fur their help an 

support an a wud lik tae express mae gratietude tae the joint secretarial o the North/ 

South Ministerial Council, the department o finance an personnel fur their commitment an 

support. 

Finally a wud lik tae express mae appreciation fur the enduring commitment o the staff o 

Watterwyes Irelan, Ther continued enthusiasm fur the work o the organisation an fur the 

Watterwyes unner ir care, drives the ongan success o ir organisation. 

A luk forrit tae 2009 confident in oor ability tae address the challenges an oppurtunities it 

will bring to Watterwyes Irelan. 

John Martin 



6 

Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2008

Part 1 

Introduction 

Background 

Summary of Key Performance 

Targets and Progress

Part 1 

Introduction 

Background 

Waterways Ireland, the largest of the North / South Implementation Bodies, is responsible 

for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable 

waterway system throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. It is currently 

responsible for the following waterways: 

■ Barrow Navigation; 

■ Erne System; 

■ Grand Canal; 

■ Lower Bann Navigation; 

■ Royal Canal; 

■ Shannon-Erne Waterway; and 

■ Shannon Navigation. 

Waterways Ireland’s remit was extended in 2007 by the North/South Ministerial Council, to 

include responsibility for the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal between Clones 

and Upper Lough Erne, and, following restoration, for the management, maintenance, and 

development of this waterway principally for recreational purposes. 

Funding 

Waterways Ireland is funded jointly by both jurisdictions, with 15% of current funding 

provided by the Northern Ireland Assembly and 85% by the Irish Government, reflecting 

the present distribution of the navigable waterways. 

Capital development programmes are funded separately in each jurisdiction. Waterways 

Ireland continued to progress works under the National Development Plan 2007 to 

2013, as part of the waterways programme in 2008. It also carried out a separate capital 

development programme in Northern Ireland funded by the Department of Culture, Arts 

and Leisure (DCAL). 

The Body’s current expenditure (on an accruals basis) during 2008 was €38.8 million 

(£30.8 million) and €20.1 million (£16 million) was expended on capital projects. 

The cash funding received from our sponsor Departments was €50.1 million (£39.8 million). 

DCAL made Accruing Superannuation Liability Charges (ASLCs) to the Department of 

Finance and Personnel of €0.5 million (£0.4 million). 

Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2008 9

Part 1 

Accountability 

Waterways Ireland is accountable to the North / South Ministerial Council (NSMC) which 

approves its funding and in turn is accountable to the Northern Ireland Assembly and 

Oireachtas na hÉireann for the organisation’s performance and effectiveness. 

Departmental responsibility for Waterways Ireland rests with the Department of Culture, 

Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht 

Affairs (DCRGA). 

Senior Management Team 

The Senior Management Team is made up of the Chief Executive and the following 

Directors: 

Director of Operations 

- Brian Darcy 

Director of Finance and IT 

- Colin Brownsmith 

Director of Technical Services 

- Nigel Russell 

Director of Marketing and Communications - Martin Dennany 

Locations 

Waterways Ireland’s Headquarters are located in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. 

The waterway system is divided into three Regions; Northern, Western and Eastern. 

Northern Region 

The Northern Region includes the Lower Bann Navigation, Erne System and Shannon-Erne 

Waterway. 

Western Region 

The Shannon Navigation, the longest river in Ireland, comprises the Western Region. The 

navigation extends a distance of 215km from Lough Allen to the estuary at Sarsfield Lock in 

Limerick. 

Eastern Region 

There are three navigations in the Eastern Region, namely the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal 

and the Barrow Navigation. 

Each Region is served by a Regional office. These are located in Dublin for the Eastern 

Region; Scarriff, Co Clare, for the Western Region and Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, 

for the Northern Region. The organisation also has a number of works depots and offices 

across the waterways network. 

10 


Part 1 

Delivery of the 2008 Key Performance Targets 

Activity Target Synopsis of Progress 

Maintenance 

and provision of 

services on the 

waterways 

Development of 

the waterways 

– facilities and 

services 

Integration of 

the waterways 

network 

• Continue the maintenance 

programme to keep 95% of 

the navigable waterways 

available for navigation from 

April to October. 

• Complete provision of 450 

metres of moorings on the 

waterways. 

• Complete one bridge and 

commence construction 

of the remaining bridge to 

reconnect the Royal Canal to 

the Shannon. 

• Commence preliminary stages 

of restoration of the section 

of the Ulster Canal between 

Upper Lough Erne and Clones 

• All navigable waterways have 

remained open and available 

for navigation as planned. 

Spencer Dock on the Royal 

Canal has remained closed 

to facilitate the Flood Relief 

Scheme, construction of 

the sea lock, the extension 

of the LUAS (Light Rail 

System) to the Docklands 

and the construction of the 

Conference Centre. 

• The waterways maintenance 

programme progressed 

satisfactorily throughout the 

year. 

• A total of 581 metres of 

jetties was completed on the 

waterways during the year. 

• Mosstown Bridge was 

completed in July 2008, and 

works commenced on the 

construction of Lyneen Bridge, 

with the contract being let in 

August 2008. 

• Work commenced on this 

project with meetings 

arranged with the majority 

of landowners and other 

stakeholders, and tender 

documentation for validation 

surveys was prepared. 

Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2008 11

Part 1 


Promote use of 

the waterways 

• Deliver sponsorship, 

advertising, public relations 

and direct marketing 

programmes to build 

awareness of the waterways. 

Complete sponsorship plan by 

April 2008. 

• Provide three publications and 

to promote and support use 

of the navigations. 

• Deliver a programme of 

market research in line with 

the Marketing and Promotion 

Strategy. 

• Ongoing work in sponsorship, 

advertising, PR and direct 

marketing programmes 

continues to build awareness 

of the waterways. The 2008 

Sponsorship Programme 

received 73 applications 

for funding, with 48 events 

receiving sponsorship. 

• The “What’s on Guide 2008”, 

the “Waterways Ireland 

Angling Guide”, and the Lower 

Bann Chart were completed in 

2008. These publications were 

designed and distributed to 

promote and support the use 

of the waterways. 

• Waterways Ireland in 

conjunction with Fáilte 

Ireland undertook both 

quantitative and qualitative 

research into the cruise hire 

market sourcing significant 

levels of response from 

international customers. 

The research demonstrated 

a positive attitude towards 

boating in Ireland and the 

waterways product on offer 

and highlighted areas of work 

which both agencies agreed to 

focus on going forward. 

12 


Part 1 


Organisational 

development and 

performance 

• Complete construction of 

and relocate staff to, new 

Enniskillen HQ Offices 

• Undertake recruitment to 

a sufficient level within the 

approved complement of staff 

for the organisation. 

• Continue a staff training 

programme to enable the 

organisation to meet its 

objectives. 

• Meet all statutory reporting 

obligations and requirements. 

• Draft Accounts to be provided 

to the Auditor General by 

April 2008. 

• Construction of new HQ 

premises was completed, and 

staff relocated to the new 

building in September 2008. 

• Recruitment exercises for 

operational, technical and 

administration staff continued 

throughout the year to 

provide appropriate resources 

to meet business need. 

• The staff training and 

development programme 

continued, with a wide range 

of training and instruction 

programmes rolled out across 

the organisation. 

• The organisation continued 

to provide support and 

assistance to staff engaged in 

further study. 

The organisation met 

all statutory reporting 

requirements. 

• Draft Accounts were 

submitted on 28 September 

2008. 


13

Part 1 


Financial 

Performance 

• Continue to implement Good 

Governance and all Internal 

Audit requirements. 

• Audit Committee to meet 3 

times. 

• Prepare an Internal Audit 

Programme for 2008-2010 

• Update Risk Register and 

prepare a revised summary on 

a quarterly basis. 

• Work to implement all 

good governance practices 

continued. 

• The Audit Committee met 

3 times in 2008. 

• The Strategic Internal Audit 

Plan 2008-2010 was approved 

by the Audit Committee on 

17 December 2007. 

• During 2008 the Risk Register 

was reviewed regularly and 

quarterly updates were 

prepared and provided to 

the Audit Committee and 

Sponsor Departments. Work 

on the development of a 

bespoke computerised Risk 

Management System was 

substantially completed in 

December 2008 with plans for 

implementation in early 2009. 

14 


Part 2 

Manage and Maintain a reliable and 

a high quality waterways network. Goal 1 

Develop and Restore 

Goal 2 

the waterways network 

Enhance the existing waterways 

Goal 3 

network to widen its appeal to users 

Promote increased use of our waterways 

Goal 4 

resource principally for recreational purposes 

Assess, Manage and Develop the 

assets of Waterways Ireland Goal 5 

Develop an organisation 

of excellence Goal 6

Part 2 

Mission 

The statutory function of Waterways Ireland is to manage, maintain, develop and restore 

the inland navigable waterways system on the island of Ireland, principally for recreational 

purposes. This statutory remit is closely reflected in the organisation’s Mission Statement 

which states:- 

‘Our mission is to provide a high quality recreational environment centred on the inland 

waterways in our care, for the benefit of our customers.’ 

In our Corporate Plan 2008-2010, the organisation sets out a strategy to support the 

delivery of this mission. The Plan identifies strategic corporate goals and objectives and 

addresses proposals and action plans for the organisation and the waterways under our 

care to allow us to achieve these objectives. 

Corporate Goals 

The Corporate Goals outlined in the Corporate Plan 2008-2010 are to : 

1. Manage and maintain a reliable and high quality waterways network. 

2. Develop and restore the waterways network. 

3. Enhance the existing waterways network to widen its appeal to users. 

4. Promote increased use of our waterways resource principally for recreational 

purposes. 

5. Assess, manage and develop the assets of Waterways Ireland. 

6. Develop an organisation of excellence. 

These goals also provide direction and focus for the development of our business plans for 

2008, 2009 and 2010. 

This Annual Report reports on our actions and progress in 2008, against the Corporate 

Goals as identified in our Corporate and Business Plans. Our goals were further divided into 

sub-goals or actions as part of the business planning process. In this report we report on 

individual sub-goals. 


17

Goal 1 

Manage and Maintain a reliable and high quality 

waterways network 

1.1 Continue with ongoing maintenance to keep 95% 

of the existing waterways and navigations open 

from April to October. 

A planned programme of maintenance works continued throughout 2008 to ensure the 

inland waterways remained available for navigation from April to October. This included 

routine inspections of all public facilities and navigational infrastructure including bridges, 

to ensure a high level of service to waterway users, and to other visitors to Waterways 

Ireland’s property. It required a significant investment of €1.6 million in new plant and 

equipment to support maintenance work across the waterways. 

Across the navigational network significant resources were deployed in preparing and 

maintaining the waterways for recreational activity throughout the boating season. Works 

included: power washing and maintenance of jetties, improving and maintaining the 

navigational marking system, installation of bollards, removal of hazards and obstructions 

to vessels from the waterways, hedge cutting, tree cutting, towpath improvements, track 

way maintenance, painting, grass cutting at amenity areas and litter collection. 

Bridge surveys were carried out on structures across the navigations and repairs effected as 

necessary. 

Additionally, key maintenance projects were carried out on each of the seven navigations. 

1.1.1 Northern Region 

Lower Bann Navigation 

Waterways Ireland has navigational jurisdiction on the Lower Bann, from Lough Neagh to 

the town bridge in Coleraine. 

Completed maintenance work on this navigation included the installation of additional 

marker posts and navigational signage at a number of locations between Portna, near Kilrea 

and the Cutts area in Coleraine, Co Londonderry. The overall effect was one of enhanced 

safety for craft and increased understanding of the navigation among users. The ongoing 

programme of refurbishment of lock gates continued with the assembly of the structural 

elements for new gates both at the Cutts in Coleraine and Toome in Co Antrim; installation 

is scheduled for 2009. 

Throughout the season significant maintenance works were carried out along the 

navigation between Hutchinson’s Quay and Portna, near Kilrea, Co Londonderry, and also in 

the vicinity of Carnroe Lock, Co Antrim. 

Erne System 

The Erne System stretches from Belturbet in Co Cavan to Belleek in Co Fermanagh. It 

consists of both river channel and open lake navigation. 

In addition to the routine general maintenance works, aquatic weed management 

operations were required on Upper Lough Erne. Weed harvesting was carried out at 

Corratistune and Tirraroe, near Derrylin and also in the vicinity of the Share Centre, 

Lisnaskea using the weed cutter/harvester purchased in 2005. 

18 


Goal 1 

Shannon-Erne Waterway 

The Shannon-Erne Waterway provides the link from the Shannon Navigation to the Erne 

System, from Leitrim Village to a point close to Belturbet in Co Cavan. 

Maintenance projects carried out in 2008 included the upgrade of existing facilities to 

incorporate recreational amenity areas at Castlefore Lock (Lock 8), near Keshcarrigan, Co. 

Leitrim and at Tirmactiernan (Lock 15), near Leitrim Village. New modern hand washing 

units were also installed in all six Service Blocks. Other projects included the continued 

programme of boundary fencing replacement along the navigation. 

1.1.2 Eastern Region 

The navigations in the Eastern Region are the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal and the Barrow 

Navigation. 

Royal Canal 

The Royal Canal is currently navigable from the 1st Lock in Dublin to Ballybrannigan 

Harbour in Co Longford. When the canal is fully navigable, it will join the Shannon 

Navigation at Richmond Harbour near Clondra. 

Maintenance projects carried out on the Royal Canal included repair works on the 43rd 

Level in Killashee, Co. Longford for leakage control purposes. General repair works were 

carried out to locks, swing beams, winches, stonework and jetties. Handrails were erected 

over short lengths at Maynooth Harbour and the 15th and 16th locks, Kilcock, Co. 

Kildare to give greater protection for pedestrian users. At the 11th lock near the M50 at 

Blanchardstown in Dublin, a stretch of 300m of bank was widened to give improved access 

for canal users and for maintenance machinery. Waterways Ireland also facilitated a canal 

crossing by Fingal County Council for the Leixlip to Ballycoolin water main. 


19

Goal 1 

Grand Canal 

The Grand Canal extends from Grand Canal Dock, Ringsend, in Dublin to the River Shannon 

at Shannon Harbour, near Banagher, Co Offaly. 

On the Grand Canal the dredging programme to restore the canal to its navigable depth 

continued during 2008. Dredging was completed on 3200 metres of the Barrow Line 

between Vicarstown and Courtwood, Co Laois. A further 1300m section of the Main Line 

was dredged between Plunkett and Derries Bridges, adjacent to Pollagh, Co Offaly. 

Repairs were undertaken on the Camac Aqueduct near Vicarstown, Co Laois and cleaning 

and repair works were carried out on various canal supply channels. Structural repair 

and refurbishment work took place at Belmont Lock (33rd) near Ferbane and bridge 

strengthening works were carried out at Digby Bridge near Tullamore and Corcoran’s 

Bridges, Rahan in association with Offaly County Council. Repairs to damage resulting from 

vehicular impacts were carried out at a number of locations in Co Offaly and in Co Kildare. 

New breast gates were installed at the 21st Lock, Ballycommon and additional mooring was 

provided for 10 boats in Tullamore, Co Offaly. In Dublin, dredging took place at the Mespil 

Road jetty and major repairs were required at Leeson Street Bridge. 

The facilitation of boat rallies throughout the season is an important customer interface 

for Waterways Ireland’s staff with pre-planning and rally movements facilitated at Shannon 

Harbour, Ballycommon, Vicarstown and Dublin. Tullamore enjoyed an influx of craft during 

the traditional Fleadh Cheoil which was held in August. 

Barrow Navigation 

The Barrow Navigation extends from the junction of the River Barrow and the Grand Canal 

Line at Athy, Co Kildare to the tidal reaches of St Mullins, Co Carlow. 

The Barrow valley is part of a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) which requires 

all work undertaken to be approved in advance by the National Parks and Wildlife Service 

(NPWS). A Statement of Significance for maintenance work planned for the next three 

years submitted to NPWS in January 2008 forms the basis of an agreed management plan 

for the Barrow Navigation. 

Maintenance projects carried out on the Barrow in 2008 included the upgrade of the stone 

jetty at Bagenalstown, Co Carlow and 300m of bank protection and track way widening 

between Carlow and Bestfield Lock. New lock-gates were fabricated for Rathvindon Lock, 

Leighlinbridge and Ballytiglea Lock, Borris both in Co Carlow, with installation scheduled for 

2009. 

Other works included the cutting of overhanging trees and bushes from some of the lateral 

canals, and a programme of dredging during the summer months using the Watermaster 

floating dredger. 

20 


Goal 1 

1.1.3 Western Region 

The Shannon Navigation, the longest river in Ireland, mainly comprises of the river 

Shannon. The navigation extends from Lough Allen to the estuary at Sarsfield Lock in 

Limerick. 

At Acres Lake near Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim new decking was applied to the existing 

concrete jetty surfacing as part of a complete timber decking upgrade. Further south at 

Roosky, services were upgraded to the lock house with the provision of water, welfare 

facilities, new public lighting along the access roadway and surface dressing carried out to 

the lock road. Roosky Dry Dock was also upgraded. 

At Clondra Lock, Co Longford new boundary fencing was erected, large areas of landscaping 

carried out to provide additional picnic areas, masonry repairs were carried out to stone 

walls and additional pathways were provided. Refurbishment works were carried out at 

Tarmonbarry Lifting Bridge, which carries the N5 over the River Shannon. This included 

improvements to the vertical alignment at the lifting span, essential waterproofing works, 

resurfacing of the deck, replacement of bridge bearings and improvements to the operation 

of mechanical and electrical units. Enhancement works were carried out to the quay and 

harbour at Ballyleague, Co Roscommon with the addition of low level cut stone walling, 

decorative bollards, road improvements, significant repairs and additions to paved areas. 

Significant remedial works were carried out to both the lock chamber and gates at Victoria 

Lock near Banagher in Co Offaly. Repairs were carried out to the paving around Pollboy Lock 

at Ballinasloe, safety bollards installed around the harbour at Rossmore, Co Galway, and 

security fencing installed at Munster Harbour, Co Tipperary. 

In Co Clare, maintenance works included the provision of electricity and water to the 

harbour at Reddans Quay, Tuamgraney; repairs to the canal bank at Killaloe and the 

provision of welfare facilities at the Canal Store, Killaloe. In Clonlara safety fencing was 

erected around Gilogue Bridge, and hogweed sprayed with weed killer on the banks of 

the Errina Plassy Canal and Blackwater River. Hogweed is a rapid growing perennial plant 

containing large amounts of poisonous sap which when handled, can cause painful skin 

blistering and irritation. 

In Limerick City, repairs were carried out to the waiting jetties at O’Dwyer’s bridge, and 

cleaning of the Park Canal and the Tidal and Park locks was carried out in co-operation with 

Limerick City Council. 

1.1.4 Environmental Services 

Significant work was undertaken by Waterways Ireland to ensure that ongoing maintenance 

works were in compliance with all environmental and heritage requirements. This included 

working in liaison with regulatory authorities to facilitate dredging works at Gollierstown 

and Pullagh Derry on the Grand Canal, and to facilitate tree maintenance works at O’Brien’s 

Bridge on the River Shannon. An otter survey was commissioned to facilitate ongoing 

maintenance works on the River Barrow and an ecological survey of Groenlandia densa (a 

protected aquatic plant) was commissioned on the urban sections of the Royal and Grand 

Canals in preparation for proposed dredging activities in 2009. All of this work ensured 

the protection and maintenance of our natural environment during ongoing works on the 

waterways. 


21

Goal 1 

1.2 Continue to work with the Fisheries Board to 

ensure adequate fish stocks are maintained in the 

Shannon Erne Waterways and the Canals owned 

by Waterways Ireland and provide water quality 

monitoring 

The Central Fisheries Board (CFB) is commissioned by Waterways Ireland to carry out fish 

stocking, aquatic plant management and water quality monitoring on the Royal Canal, 

Grand Canal (Main Line & Barrow Line), the Barrow Navigation and the Shannon-Erne 

Waterway. 

In 2008, in excess of 20,000 coarse fish were stocked during enhancement operations 

conducted at eight locations along the waterways. Some 2800 rudd were stocked into the 

15th level of the Royal Canal at Kilcock in advance of the Waterways Ireland Sponsored 

Junior Canals Championship held in August 2008. 

Fish rescue operations were necessitated by routine dredging and maintenance operations 

particularly on the Grand Canal Barrow Line. These operations have enabled trials to be 

initiated investigating the practical implementation of various habitat mitigation measures. 

The programme was completed in September 2008 after 18 months of sampling. Sorting 

and identification of invertebrate samples is ongoing. 

The spatial ecology of certain fish species, determined using both acoustic and radio 

telemetry, continues to provide an important source of management information. In 2008, 

particular emphasis was placed on how coarse fish use the recently dredged areas of canal. 

Fish stock assessments play an important role in the management and development of 

fisheries on the inland waterways. Stock assessments were conducted on 14 levels on 

the Royal, Grand and Barrow Canals and three Lakes on the Shannon-Erne Waterway. 

Excellent stocks of coarse fish (e.g. roach, bream, perch and tench) were identified at many 

of the locations surveyed. Notably, large increases in relative fish stock abundance (when 

compared to previous surveys) were recorded at several fisheries. 

Water quality monitoring was conducted three times in 2008 at 219 main channel and 

feeder stream sites on the Royal and Grand Canals, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the 

Barrow Navigation was conducted three times in 2008. A subset of forty canal sites was 

sampled four times in compliance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Aquatic and 

riparian plant communities were also assessed at these sites in 2008. 

22 


Goal 1 

An extensive aquatic plant survey was conducted on both the Royal and Grand Canals 

(Main and Barrow Line) in July 2008. The survey was aimed primarily at identifying areas 

where amenity usage was negatively impacted by aggressive plant growth, as well as those 

areas where such problems may occur in the future. The implementation of an Aquatic 

Weed Management programme was integral to Waterways Ireland’s maintenance plan 

in 2008. This programme aims to manage aquatic plant communities in an ecologically 

sensitive manner, ensuring that canal channels remain open for amenity use while retaining 

ecological diversity and value. 

1.3 Continue with ongoing survey of bridges, lock 

gates, weirs and water pumps to include 60 bridge 

inspections and 15 structures with regard to 

leakage. 

Bridge survey work continued throughout 2008. Repairs were effected to a number of 

bridge structures including Tarmonbarry Bridge, which carries the N5 over the River 

Shannon. 

A telemetry system designed to support the management of leakage in structures was 

installed in the summer of 2008. This will allow more effective and efficient management 

of our built infrastructure. 

1.4 Continue to develop asset management tools and 

systems to assist with the planning of 

maintenance and the replacement of 

infrastructure including a bridge management 

system 

The organisation procured and implemented a GIS package to facilitate the identification, 

mapping and recording of Waterways Ireland’s property and structural assets. Working with 

this technology will allow the organisation to plan maintenance work and the replacement 

of infrastructure in an effective and efficient manner. 

A further state of the art bridge management system continues to be developed. Fully 

operational this system will monitor and review our bridge stock and facilitate effective 

management and maintenance of these important structures, enhancing the physical 

appearance as well as the user experience of our bridges. 


23

Goal 1 

1.5 Implement a modern vessel registration system by 

December 2008 to support planning and 

management of the navigations. 

A Craft Registration and Management System was completed and commissioned in 2008. 

This system will capture the registration of all vessels using the waterways and support the 

work of the Inspectorate. In 2008 the number of new vessels registering for the waterways 

system was 1029; 435 on the Shannon Navigation and 594 on the Erne System. 

The Inspectorate fulfils the important role of navigation Bye-law enforcement through an 

active patrol presence on the navigations. They place an important focus on the provision 

of a quality customer service by educating waterway users and building on good relations 

with all users and local boating communities. 

A single set of new Bye-Laws for all seven navigations has been drafted and is due to issue 

for public consultation in 2009. 

The Inspectorate maintained an active presence across 1000km of waterways on the seven 

navigations under Waterways Ireland’s remit throughout the year with harbour launches 

and patrol vehicles. Approximately 1500 permanent aids to navigation, including buoys, 

perches and beacons were monitored. In addition, all harbours, jetties and single point 

moorings were visited to ensure that the navigations continued to be as safe and enjoyable 

an environment for recreation, tourism and trade, as possible. 

Reports from the public in 2008 requiring the attention of the Inspectorate staff were 

largely concerned with excessive speed, turbulent and heavy wash, unauthorised mooring, 

defective navigation markers, power boats, illegal parking, anti-social behaviour, noise and 

horse washing in small harbours. The Inspectorate also carried out inspections of the aids 

to navigation; investigated marine incidents; administered the Marine Notice service and 

monitored and marshalled water based events. 

24 


Goal 1 

1.6 Continue to undertake Environmental Surveys on 

the Royal and Grand Canals to comply with the EU 

Water Framework Directive (WFD) 

In 2008, environmental surveys were carried out on Lough Derg, the Grand Canal and the 

Lough Allen Canal in compliance with the EU Directive. 

Waterways Ireland also continued its ongoing collaboration with the Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) and the Central Fisheries Board to classify the ecological potential 

of the canals owned and/or monitored by Waterways Ireland as required under the Water 

Framework Directive (WFD). This information was compiled in a final document prepared 

by WI and submitted to EPA entitled Report on the Interim Classification of Ecological 

Potential and Identification of Measures for Ireland’s Artificial Water Bodies. This report 

assisted in the completion of the draft River Basin Management Plans. WI also continued to 

implement the monitoring programme for canals in Ireland under the WFD, the results of 

which will be reported to the EU. 

In addition, Waterways Ireland continued to participate with British Waterways, various 

Irish, Scottish and UK regulatory authorities and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Fora 

for Environmental Research (SNIFFER), to develop a WFD compliant canal classification 

tool. The final reports for Phase I of this project were issued in 2008. WI has also been 

working with these agencies and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities, to 

produce a report providing technical guidance identifying best practice and cost effective 

management strategies and mitigation measures for application to inland navigation 

authorities in the UK and Ireland. This was also issued in 2008. 

In 2008, Waterways Ireland also commissioned the development of a macrophyte and 

macro invertebrate Ecological Quality Ratio, to aid in establishing the status of Irish canals 

under the WFD. This will assist the organisation in its ongoing reporting requirements to 

the EU. 


25

Goal 2 

Developing and Restoring the Waterways Network 

Waterways Ireland continues to participate in River Basin District Management Groups to 

ensure the requirements of the WFD in terms of catchment-based planning and protecting 

the ecological status of the inland waterways are known, and to ensure navigational 

interests are incorporated into the River Basin District Management Plans. 

A comprehensive capital works programme was carried out in 2008 on all waterways under 

our remit providing additional and enhanced facilities to promote use of and access to the 

waterways. 

2.1 Continue the development of the Barrow 

Navigation 

Capital works on the Barrow Navigation included the provision of a new slipway at 

Bagenalstown, which was officially opened in June 2008 by the Chief Executive of 

Waterways Ireland and the Chairman of Carlow County Council. Other works included the 

installation of a gangway to the new 84m floating moorings installed at Carlow in 2007. 

Major repair works were carried out in the island upstream of Bestfield Lock following a 

significant breach caused by the very high summer floods. 

2.2 Continue the development of the Grand Canal 

The first phase of repair works was completed to stabilise the walls in Grand Canal Dock, 

at Ringsend in Dublin, including the installation of new safety ladders. At Davitt Road, 

between the 1st and 3rd Locks on the Main Line, repair works were substantially completed 

following the construction of the LUAS line adjacent to the canal. This included the rebuilding 

of a retaining wall, upgrading kerbing, manhole covers, facing stonework, and resurfacing 

of approximately 1.5km of towpath. 

Works commenced on the re-construction of 8.5km of the southern towpath from 

Blackhorse Bridge, Inchicore, to Lucan Road Bridge, Co. Dublin. This is a joint project with 

South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and ESB to lay 110kV cables, re-surface 

the towpath to form a new cycle route, and introduce new street furniture and lighting. 

Joint works were completed with Kildare County Council to improve the harbour area at 

Sallins, which included the reconstruction of the footpath, placing of services underground 

and introduction of new overhead lighting. 

At Shannon Harbour, Co Offaly a collaborative project commenced under the West Offaly 

Tourism Initiative (Waterways Ireland, Offaly County Council, Shannon Development and 

the Atlantic Corridor) to provide a service block, community building, playground and picnic 

areas, with associated pavement works. The project is being funded by Waterways Ireland, 

Offaly County Council and Fáilte Ireland. 

26 


Goal 2 

2.3 Progress restoration of the Royal Canal to 

complete its connection to the Shannon. 

The main focus of capital works on the Royal Canal in 2008 was the continued canal 

restoration programme. The construction of Mosstown Bridge was substantially completed, 

with works commencing on the replacement of the existing culvert at Lyneen for 

completion in early 2009. Bog reconstruction and relining was carried out on a 500m 

section of the Royal Canal west of Begnagh Bridge, and two 18m long deep gate jetties 

were installed at the 41st and 42nd Locks, Keenagh, Co. Longford. Negotiations continued 

with Westmeath County Council to provide an adequate water supply to the Royal Canal. 

In Dublin works are still ongoing at Spencer Dock to facilitate construction of the new LUAS 

bridge across the Dock and the adjacent National Conference Centre. All of these works 

are part of large-scale re-development of the area where the Royal Canal is an important 

central feature. From a navigation point of view, work continued on the new Sea Lock which 

has the dual purpose of facilitating navigation at all stages of the tide, and providing flood 

protection to the area in the event of high levels in the adjacent river. The project comprises 

the fabrication and installation of new mitre gates and new sector gates, plus a control 

building for the operation of the Sea Lock. 

The construction of a new rail bridge at Hansfield on the old Navan line, which crosses 

the Royal Canal upstream of Clonsilla, Co. Dublin commenced in December. This will also 

include some improvements to the canal bank. Kerbing / entrance improvements at Louisa 

Bridge, Leixlip were carried out in conjunction with Kildare County Council, as part of the 

construction of a new boardwalk down to the level of the Rye Water River, below the canal 

aqueduct 

Work on the construction of a new depot at Thomastown progressed well with a proposed 

completion date of early 2009. 


27

Goal 2 

2.4 Continue improvements to the Shannon 

Navigation 

The main focus of works on the Shannon Navigation in 2008 was the upgrade of 

navigational infrastructure and the development of additional customer amenities. 

Infrastructural improvements were carried out at Battlebridge Lock, Battlebridge, Co 

Leitrim to seal significant leakage from the lock chamber and land sluice tunnel, with 

completion scheduled for early 2009. Such remedial works are necessary to assist in the 

future management of Lough Allen Canal water levels. At Roosky Weir also in Co Leitrim, 

a safety boom was installed, providing greatly enhanced weir protection. This involved the 

installation of 64m of floating weir booms and anchoring piles, which necessitated drilling 

into the bedrock foundation. 

In Co Roscommon, new steel core deep gates were installed at Clarendon Lock Knockvicar. 

The three remaining original sluice boxes were relocated, set back from the waters edge, 

and new walkways completed. The installation of the new lock gates fully automates 

Clarendon Lock which is further enhanced with the addition of walkways. Further south 

at Tarmonbarry, the refurbishment of the lock house and work station was completed and 

significant repairs carried out to the sewer outlet pipe. Flooding of the car park was rectified 

by the provision of additional drainage and the picnic area was reinstated. Additional works 

included repairs to the temporary fish pass and the replacement of the manual sluice 

trolley with a battery powered alternative. Amenity enhancement works at Cortober, 

Co Roscommon, to provide improved recreational and visitor facilities, were significantly 

progressed in 2008. The works carried out in collaboration with Roscommon County 

Council are expected to be completed in early 2009. At Lecarrow, in Co Roscommon, works 

commenced on the redevelopment of the existing harbour which will include dredging, 

culverting of an existing open watercourse, the construction of a Service Block with pump 

out facility and a new slipway. In 2008, site set up works were carried out along with 

preparatory works on the access road and car park. 

At Clondra/Richmond Harbour a collaborative project with Fáilte Ireland and Longford 

County Council commenced which will result in the development of a tourist amenity 

area with additional boating facilities, community/visitor centre, car parking, picnic area, 

playground and shower/toilet facilities. The project is scheduled for completion in 2009 and 

is located at the interface between the Shannon Navigation and the Royal Canal. 

Additional amenities were installed at Ballina, Co Tipperary to complement the new 100m 

floating jetty installed in 2007. These included the installation of a pump out facility, 

electrical service bollards, storm water drainage, and electricity and sewerage services. 

28 


Goal 2 

2.5 Continue the development of the Erne System 

Public mooring facilities were replaced and upgraded at a number of Waterways Ireland’s 

recreation sites on the Erne system, with over 500m of moorings installed in 2008. 

Existing timber jetties were replaced at Corradillar on Upper Lough Erne, and also at 

Carrickreagh (also known as Ely Lodge) on Lower Lough Erne. The Carrickreagh replacement 

jetty also included a reduced freeboard section to facilitate recreational activities, such 

as water skiing, which are popular in that area. At Geaglum near Derrylin on Upper Lough 

Erne, amenity development works were carried out to include the provision of a picnic area, 

car park and a gravel beach for canoe access. 

In Enniskillen, the upgrade of water recreation facilities at the Round ‘O’ progressed, 

with slipway improvements completed as phase one of the construction works. This was 

followed by the provision of additional berthing capacity with the installation of 267m 

of new floating public moorings, which includes facilities for canoe and rowing access. 

Additionally, works commenced on the installation of a 23m dedicated water bus mooring, 

with completion scheduled for early 2009. The existing vessel pump out amenity at the 

Round ‘O’ was also upgraded to augment this infrastructural enhancement programme. A 

further 84m of additional public moorings were installed at Waterways Ireland’s waterfront 

headquarters in Enniskillen. 

2.6 Continue the development of the Lower Bann 

Waterways Ireland continued its infrastructural investment programme on the Lower Bann 

in 2008 with the installation of a 36m replacement jetty at Vow located between Carnroe 

and Movanagher in Co Antrim. A second 36m jetty was replaced at Portglenone Wood near 

Portglenone, Co Antrim. Both of these replacement jetties included 6m long low freeboard 

sections to facilitate the increased use of the river by canoeists and kayakers. Works 

also commenced on the replacement of a floating jetty at Camus, near Coleraine with 

completion scheduled for early 2009. 

2.7 Commence work on the restoration of the Ulster 

Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones 

In 2008, Waterways Ireland met 46 out of a possible 50 landowners in relation to proposals 

for this project. Relevant local authorities and public bodies have also been advised of the 

nature and extent of this project. 

An EU procurement process for the delivery of the preliminary design stage of this part of 

the restoration was commenced in February 2008, however, due to the potential for legal 

challenges and the economic climate of 2008, this process was terminated in November 

2008. 

The preliminary stages of this project will be managed in house by Waterways Ireland. 

It is anticipated that the planning and preliminary design stages of this project will be 

completed and construction commenced in 2011, with a completion date in 2013. 


29

Goal 2 

Work will continue in 2009 to expand existing survey information, confirm and expand 

existing site investigations and to commence an Environmental Impact Assessment. The 

Environmental Impact Assessment will be required to run for 12 months and subject to the 

findings, Waterways Ireland will review options available for the development. 

It is proposed that planning applications will be submitted in spring 2010. Land acquisitions 

will be undertaken further to a successful planning application and contracts for 

construction works could be awarded in 2011, in line with the current programme for 

development. 

2.8 Continue the development of the Shannon-Erne 

Waterway 

The development of a new Waterway Patroller facility at Lock 16, Killarcan near Leitrim 

village, Co. Leitrim was substantially completed in 2008. Lock 16 is one of the two busiest 

locks on the Shannon-Erne Waterway where vessels enter the restored canal from the 

Shannon Navigation. The new Waterway Patroller facility at Lock 16 will support and 

enhance the level of customer service provision at this important location, whilst improving 

welfare facilities for the operational team. 

Waterways Ireland has commenced the first phase of the development plan to extend 

the Shannon-Erne navigation into Lough Oughter in County Cavan in 2008, through 

commissioning a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Socio-Economic Appraisal of the 

project. The initial screening phase of the project has taken place including consultation 

with regulatory authorities and the scoping phase of the project which determines 

environmental issues is underway. 

2.9 Purchase plant to maintain an appropriate fleet of 

operating plant, boats and vehicles for the ongoing 

maintenance and capital development of the 

waterways 

In 2008 Waterways Ireland invested €1.6 million in plant, machinery, vehicles and 

equipment to support this goal. 

Work also continued on the development of a plant management system which will 

support the organisation in the management and control of all of Waterways Ireland’s fleet, 

including small items of plant and lifting equipment. 

30 


Goal 3 

Enhance the existing waterways network to widen its 

appeal to users 

3.1 Continue to consult with water recreation user 

groups and develop working partnerships with 

organisations representative of the equality 

groups. Work will include conducting public 

consultations on our development proposals as 

and when these are required and take forward 

research to contribute to our ongoing planning 

process. 

During 2008, Waterways Ireland actively sought representation from boat hire and private 

boat owners as well as other recreation user groups, and with organisations representative 

of the Equality Groups. Press and public relations campaigns were undertaken targeting 

those stakeholders, groups and customers. Our sponsorship programme addressed 

inclusiveness as a funding criteria and the organisation specifically targeted representative 

organisations of our stakeholders, customers and equality groups in the campaign leading 

up to the sponsorship programme. 


31

Goal 3 

3.2 During 2008, prepare three publications for the 

travel trade and waterway users to facilitate 

information to access and use the waterways. We 

will continue to conduct a public relations 

programme to promote and increase awareness. 

We will support and extend the web based 

information provided and by June 2008 implement 

provision of kiosks to provide interactive access to 

web based information at appropriate sites 

throughout the seven waterways. 

3.2.1 Publications 

In 2008 Waterways Ireland produced a range of publications. Some popular brochures 

were updated and re-printed, for example, the “What’s On 2008” Events Guide and the 

Publications Catalogue. Reprints of the Shannon, Shannon Erne and Shannon Navigation 

Charts were completed and distributed. Work on the first Navigation Guide to the Lower 

Bann was completed. An up to date compendium of the Waterways Ireland angling guides 

was prepared. 

Waterways Ireland supported the printing of ‘The Shannon Navigation’ by Ruth Delany a 

leading waterway writer and undertook to work in partnership with the Inland Waterways 

Association of Ireland on the development of new guides for the Grand Canal, The Royal 

Canal and the Barrow Navigation. 

The successful mail-order campaign was continued as were regular bulk deliveries to tourist 

and waterway related outlets. 

3.2.2 Public Relations Programme 

There continued to be extensive print and radio coverage of Waterways Ireland’s 

activities in 2008 including the launches of publications at the London Boat Show and the 

Birmingham “Go Fishing” Show. Events sponsored by Waterways Ireland also received much 

coverage including the triAthlone (triathlon in Athlone) and the Classic Boat Regatta on the 

Shannon and the Waterways Ireland Riverfest on the Lower Bann. The restoration projects 

on the Royal Canal and the confirmation of funding for the first phase of the restoration of 

the Ulster Canal attracted much media interest. 

3.2.3 Communications Resource Programme 

The Communications Resource Programme, which incorporates the website for the 

organisation and an internal intranet, continued to provide access for customers to 

Waterways Ireland activities and to the waterways. There were some 9 million hits on the 

website in 2008, an increase of 38% on 2007 figures. 

All staff received intranet training in Spring 2008. 

32 


Goal 4 

Promote increased use of our waterways resource 

principally for recreational purposes 

In 2008 waterways Ireland continued to develop and implement projects under the 

Marketing and Promotion Strategy in order to promote greater awareness of the waterway 

system and its recreational use. 

4.1 Continue to promote activities on the waterways 

to encourage increased use including a programme 

of sponsorship, provision of visitor services, and 

promotional work in partnership with tourism and 

product lead groups. The Sponsorship Programme 

provides support to community groups and other 

interested waterway related groups to encourage 

participation by all sections of the community. 

The number of events will depend on the ability of 

applicants to satisfy the advertised criteria. It is 

anticipated that in the order of 30 events will be 

sponsored. 

4.1.1 Sponsorship programme 

A wide range of events took place on the waterways with support from the Waterways 

Ireland Sponsorship Programme, varying from community to sporting events at locations 

on all seven waterways. A total of 73 applications for programme funding were received 

and 48 events took place, with the majority of events staged during the summer weekends, 

including the Waterways Ireland ‘Row for It’ League involving 10 separate locations, the 

Waterways Ireland Wakejam, The Grand Canal Offaly Voyage 2008, and TriAthy 2008. 


33

Goal 4 

4.1.2 Visitor Services 

The refurbishment of the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre moved a step closer to 

completion in 2008 with the creation of a new dynamic, fully interactive, multi-functional 

space. The centre when completed will provide a new tourist attraction in the heart of 

Dublin city and will also be available for use by Waterways Ireland and third parties. 

4.1.3 Marketing Advisory Group 

The Marketing Advisory Group from its first meeting in 2004 has worked to endorse the 

principles of the Marketing & Promotion Strategy and has continued to provide support 

and guidance to Waterways Ireland in its implementation. Areas of discussion included a 

review of the Waterways Ireland marketing strategy tender document; presentation on 

recent research and an update on Lakeland and Inland Waterways Initiative. The Marketing 

Advisory Group consists of Waterways Ireland management, the Northern Ireland Tourist 

Board, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry, 

the Erne Charter Boat Association, the Irish Boat Rental Association, the Inland Waterways 

Association of Ireland, and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

4.1.4 Merchandising 

Waterways Ireland developed a range of merchandise to support the sponsorship activity of 

the organisation. 

4.1.5 Openings and Launches 

In January Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and 

Edwin Poots, MLA., Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure launched an Accessible Sailing 

Programme at the London Boat Show. 

At the Go Fishing Show in Birmingham a launch took place of the Classic Fishing Festival. 

4.2 Attend a minimum of three trade, consumer fairs 

and exhibitions to promote awareness of the 

waterways in Ireland and develop increased use. 

In 2008 Waterways Ireland attended a series of exhibitions to promote our inland 

waterways. The Boat Shows included: the London Boat Show at Excel; the ‘On the Water 

Show’ in Malahide, Co Dublin; and the Earls Court Boat Show, London. At the London 

show, Waterways Ireland hosted representatives from a number of trade partners who 

were extremely happy with over four thousand enquiries received. Waterways Ireland 

also attended “Go Fishing” in the NEC, Birmingham in March to promote angling on 

the inland waterways and to publicise the Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival. 

Waterways Ireland in partnership with Tourism Ireland also participated in the “Outdoor 

Adventure Show” in the NEC in Birmingham. In August Waterways Ireland exhibited at 

the Inland Waterways Festival in Wolverhampton and in September, Waterways Ireland 

also participated in a tourism show as part of the National Ploughing Championships in 

Tullamore, Co. Offaly. 

34 


Goal 4 

4.3 Engage in joint activities with at least three other 

public sector agencies, community, local or 

sporting organisations during 2008. 

Waterways Ireland continued to develop a range of partnerships with organisations to 

manage joint activities which would increase awareness of the waterways. 

The Lakelands & Inland Waterways Initiative - a joint marketing and product development 

initiative between Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, 

Tourism Ireland, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism and Shannon Development to promote 

the waterways between Belleek in Co Fermanagh and Limerick was established in 2007. 

The foundation aspects of this project - the development of a guide, website (www. 

discoverireland/lakelands.ie) and a multi-lingual DVD was built upon in 2008 with the 

production of specialist zone brochures, signage and a domestic advertising campaign. 

In 2008 the Lakeland and Inland Waterway initiative received Super Region status in the 

overall tourism and marketing classification of Tourism Ireland. In other words the region 

will be marketed internationally as one of 3 distinct offerings on the island of Ireland. 

Waterways Ireland in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland also formulated a Joint Strategy 

for the Cruising Sector in 2007. The group undertook both quantitative and qualitative 

research into the hire market sourcing significant levels of response from international 

customers. The research demonstrated a positive attitude towards boating in Ireland and 

the waterways product on offer and highlighted areas of work which the Partners agreed to 

focus on going forward. 


35

Goal 4 

Waterways Ireland continued to work with the organising committee, Coleraine Borough 

Council and Lower Bann Partnership to develop and promote the Waterways Ireland 

Riverfest. The 2008 event was an outstanding success with a diverse range of activities and 

an estimated 12,000 visitors to the event over the June weekend. 

The Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival was again a great success in 2008 with some 

250 anglers participating in the event. 

4.4 Develop an Education Policy by September 2008 

to underpin expansion of the use of the 

waterways. We will also recruit an Archivist whose 

work will include the development and 

implementation of an Archival Policy and a 

photographic management system 

4.4.1 Archive and Library 

With the completion of the Archive and Library space as part of the new Headquarters 

building, potential archive material was catalogued, documented, evaluated and moved to 

the new purpose built Archive facility. Here appropriate storage and remedial works were 

undertaken. 

Work continued on the development and maintenance of a photographic library to 

catalogue and store images of the waterways. 

4.4.2 Education Policy 

Significant progress was made in securing the necessary resources in 2008 to begin the 

process of formulating, developing and delivering an Education Policy and Programme for 

Waterways Ireland in 2009. 

36 


Goal 5 

Assess, Manage and Develop the Assets of 


Significant steps where taken in 2008 to increase the capacity within Waterways Ireland to 

review and progress land agreements which were on hold through 2007, and to begin the 

movement of the property portfolio from a passive to an actively managed regime. 

5.1 During 2008, continue the programme to survey 

all navigation and property assets under our care. 

This will include contracting a mapping service to 

prepare maps in relation to legal agreements, 

commencing a review of lock houses in our 

ownership and procurement of a recording system 

to allow tracking and audit of corporate 

equipment 

5.1.1 Agreements 

Work to address incomplete development agreements on Waterways Ireland property 

was commenced to address a number of key areas including; bridges, marinas and service 

crossings. The development of standard procedures, valuation parameters and legal 

agreements, enabled efficient processing of new applications and completion of existing 

applications. This work will, over time, unlock the potential of the property portfolio of 

Waterways Ireland to generate income. 

5.1.2 Maps 

Work to digitise Waterways Ireland maps is underway as part of the Geographical 

Information System (GIS) implementation. This platform will form the basis for recording 

all Waterways Ireland’s property and related agreements into the future and will support 

active management of assets on the ground. 

5.1.3 Registration Project 

In addition a pilot project to complete a 1st registration of canal property was undertaken 

on a rural section of the Royal Canal and on an urban section of the Grand Canal in Dublin. 

This presented many difficulties and highlighted the complexity of determining the 

landownership and subsequent transactions from root title, in the period from when the 

canals were first built until the present day. In addition it confirmed the many interests 

which exist in the immediate waterway corridor particularly in the rural section of the 

Royal Canal, which has been previously disused. 

5.1.4 Lockhouse Review 

During 2008 work began on a full review of Lock Houses associated with Waterways 

Ireland. 

This work will continue in 2009 to provide a comprehensive report on the status of our 

lockhouses. 


37

Goal 5 

5.2 Extend GIS Property Management Information 

resources to support central property 

management 

Waterways Ireland continued the development and implementation of digital mapping in 

2008. The Geographical Information System (GIS) has been employed by a number of work 

areas to support the management and development of the waterways under our care. The 

GIS package facilitates the identification, mapping and recording of property and structural 

assets. 

5.3 Continue to work on the development of 

partnerships with public, private and voluntary 

organisations. These partnerships will be to focus 

on sustainable development and will include 

continuing with the development of Plot 8 in the 

Ringsend Basin and in 2008 to finalise use of the 

canal tow paths to carry Fibre Optic Cabling. 

During the year work to support the development of partnership projects creating inward 

investment in the waterways continued. A project using the canal tow path to carry fibre 

optic cabling was completed with private partners. Income generated for Waterways 

Ireland was based on a percentage of the income stream. 

In addition a number of major investments in the waterways infrastructure were negotiated 

and agreed, including investment in Spencer Dock and redevelopment of a 12 km section of 

tow path in the Dublin area in collaboration with South Dublin City Council and Dublin City 

Council. 

Waterways Ireland has also been working in partnership with Dublin City Council and 

Park West Developments in the development of a marina on the site of the Gallanstown 

Waterworks, also known as the “Old Guinness Filter Beds” adjacent to the Grand Canal on 

the Grounds of the Park West Industrial Estate. As part of the development, Waterways 

Ireland has provided technical advice on the project both in the design of the marina and 

also in relation to environmental issues and co-funded the Biodiversity and Mitigation 

Measures report commissioned for the project with the other partners. 

38 


Goal 5 

5.4 Complete the study of heritage structures and 

develop a proposal by December 2008 to promote 

the waterways heritage inventory 

In order to facilitate the conservation and management of the waterways as resources 

of regional and international heritage significance, Waterways Ireland completed the 

development of inventories of heritage structures in 2008 along the Shannon-Erne 

Waterway, the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal and the River Barrow, and commissioned new 

inventories of the River Shannon and the Erne system. 

These inventories include architectural, engineering and industrial heritage and are 

being undertaken to ensure that all heritage requirements are incorporated into the 

design, construction and maintenance phases of Waterways Ireland’s projects. They will 

also facilitate an assessment of conservation requirements to ensure the waterways’ 

distinctive heritage values are conserved and to safeguard their potential for future use and 

development. 


39

Goal 6 

Developing an Organisation of Excellence 

6.1 Continue to invest in the organisation’s people and 

business systems to deliver our functions and 

achieve our goals. We will continue our aim of 

creating an organisation with a clear purpose, high 

standards in all of its activities, and adequate 

resources to undertake the tasks ahead 

6.1.1 Business Planning 

The 2009 Business Plan for the organisation was prepared. The Business Plan 2009 sets out 

in detail, the operational, technical, corporate, marketing and promotional programmes for 

the coming year. The plan identifies business objectives for 2009 and outlined the work to 

be undertaken in addressing these. The plan, its objectives and proposals are in line with the 

objectives and goals outlined in year two of the organisation’s 2008 – 2010 Corporate Plan, 

and are subject to budgetary considerations in both jurisdictions. 

6.1.2 Information Management 

Waterways Ireland played a pro active role in the review of the Freedom of Information 

Code of Practice initiated by the NSMC in 2008. Meetings with other cross border bodies 

resulted in a number of recommendations for improvements and clarification to the Code. 

During 2008, 4 Freedom of Information requests were received by the organisation and 

dealt with under the Freedom of Information Code of Practice for North South Bodies. All 

requests were responded to within the established timeframes. 

6.1.3 Health and Safety 

A total of 20 internal Health and Safety audits of the Waterways Ireland safety 

management system were conducted in 2008. In addition one external audit of the system 

was also undertaken. 

Safe Operating Procedures were developed for office and stores based staff to provide 

appropriate guidance on the safe operation of a variety of office based functions. 

6.1.4 Corporate Governance 

Work to implement all good governance practices continued. All statutory reporting 

requirements were met. 

6.1.5 Fleet Management 

During 2008 work also continued on the development and roll out of a plant management 

system which will support the organisation in the management and control of all of 

Waterways Ireland’s fleet, including small items of plant and lifting equipment. 

40 


Goal 6 

6.1.6 Audit Programme 

Internal Audit 

Internal Audit forms part of the governance and control environment by exercising an 

independent appraisal function charged with reviewing activities across all areas within the 

Body. The role of Internal Audit is to objectively examine, evaluate and report on whether 

the systems, procedures and controls which management operate in the pursuance of the 

Body’s objectives are being complied with in the most economic, efficient and effective 

manner and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It assists all levels of 

management in exercising its responsibility of ensuring that sound systems of internal 

controls are introduced and maintained. Internal Audit carries out its remit by completing 

an annual programme of audits and reports to the Audit Committee on the results of these 

audits. It also monitors and reports to management and the Audit Committee on progress 

towards the implementation of agreed audit recommendations. During 2008, Internal Audit 

continued to audit the effectiveness of the internal control environment in Waterways 

Ireland. 

External Audit 

Waterways Irelands Accounts are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General for 

Northern Ireland and the Irish Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AGs) in accordance 

with the provisions of the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern 

Ireland) Order 1999 and the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. The C&AGs are heads of 

the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General 

and they and their staff are wholly independent of Waterways Ireland. They report their 

findings to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas. The charge 

for the audit services for the financial year, which is included as a cost in the Income and 

Expenditure account, was €38,746, (STG£37,465). There was no remuneration paid to 

auditors for non-audit work as there was no such work carried out in the year. 

Audit Committee 

Waterways Ireland has an Audit Committee which has two external members. The Audit 

Committee has unrestricted access to the internal and external auditors. The Audit 

Committee assesses the work of Internal Audit and receives reports on various aspects 

of internal control. During 2008 the Audit Committee met three times to review Internal 

Audit reports and to ensure that appropriate action was being taken by management to 

implement agreed internal audit recommendations. 

6.1.7 Industrial/Employee Relations 

Waterways Ireland has continued to maintain stable Industrial Relations with employees by 

participating in quarterly meetings with recognised trade unions including; NIPSA, IMPACT 

and SIPTU. The organisation also regularly participates in the Industrial Relations Forum and 

the Partnership Forum. 

Substantial progress was made during 2008 on a number of industrial relations issues 

through discussions at these meetings, including positive collaboration with SIPTU and 

UNITE unions on the development of a new work roster for Lockkeepers which should be 

completed and agreed in 2009. 


41

Goal 6 

The Waterways Ireland Partnership Forum, which includes representatives of both union 

and non union staff, and its sub committees were responsible for conducting a number 

of policy reviews and sponsoring new policies during 2008. Early in the year a review of 

Partnership working was undertaken. Other activities included the review of the Customer 

Care Codes of Practice and the Strategy for Enhanced Customer Service. 

A further new policy on the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults was drafted and 

submitted for consideration. 

Waterways Ireland engaged with NIPSA in discussions and plans for the evaluation of 

vacant positions based in Northern Ireland. 

6.1.8 Organisational Review 

The organisational review, carried out by Deloitte was completed in February 2008 and 

options were forwarded to Sponsor Departments and trade unions. Further to discussions 

with recognised trade unions on the recommendations contained in the organisational 

review document, collective feedback was received from the unions through the WI 

Industrial Relations Forum in November 2008. 

6.1.9 Recruitment of Staff 

Waterways Ireland has continued to recruit new staff, facilitate lateral transfers and 

temporary promotions throughout 2008, in order to support business operations and 

contribute to the delivery of business objectives. In a difficult labour market Waterways 

Ireland worked within the defined limits of the designated complement, and addressed 

resourcing issues with due diligence to legislative requirements. 

6.1.10 Internal Communications 

Staff Newsletter 

Four issues of the Staff Newsletter, “Water 

Matters”, were produced by the voluntary 

editorial team which comprises members 

of staff from across the organisation. 

The newsletter is used as a valuable 

communication tool to inform staff of 

the progress of work programmes, and 

to update them on equality issues, policy 

development and staff changes. 

Intranet 

Work to progress the development of 

the Waterways Ireland Intranet service 

launched in 2007 was completed in 2008. 

The intranet aims to increase digital 

inclusivity throughout Waterways Ireland 

locations. All staff received intranet 

training in Spring 2008. 

42 


Goal 6 

6.2 Continue to support staff training and 

development through a wide range of courses. We 

will implement the organisation’s Training Plan for 

2008 and priority will be given to health and 

safety, statutory requirements, personal 

development, management training, etc. 

6.2.1 Training Programme 

Waterways Ireland continued to remain focused on the development of staff by planning, 

coordinating and developing training for all employees, therefore ensuring they continue to 

meet both the legislative requirements and the business need of their roles. 

Courses in Manual Handling, Safepass, Excavator and Power Boat operation are examples of 

some of the courses conducted to ensure that employees are fully compliant with Health & 

Safety legislation and Construction Regulations and are familiar with machinery and plant 

under their control. A full programme of these courses was run for staff throughout 2008. 

All Waterways Ireland employees were issued with their Employee Handbook which 

included key policies and procedures relevant to all staff. The issue of the handbook was 

supported by the roll out of a comprehensive programme of workshops which provided 

information and instruction on the application of these polices. 

A further development programme was aimed at staff interested in applying for internal 

vacancies. Interview skills workshops introduced many staff to competency based selection 

procedures and provided skills and knowledge to support them through interviews. 

An extensive programme of Equality and Disability Awareness training for all staff was 

completed during 2008. This training introduced staff to changes in the Disability Act 2005 

and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as well as highlighting Disability Equality as a 

particular issue. The training further aimed to ensure that staff are aware of their duties 

under the legislation and to promote the ethos of equity and fairness for all Waterways 

Ireland stakeholders. 

6.2.2 Waterways Ireland Employee Assistance Programme 

Waterways Ireland continued to provide access to the WI Employee Assistance Programme. 

This facility allows access to a professional and confidential counselling service, for staff 

experiencing difficulties at home or in work. Issues which can be addressed include; stress, 

bereavement, depression and relationship breakdown. 


43

Goal 6 

6.3 Continue to work on areas for new policy 

guidance, including the development of an Irish 

Language policy by November 2008, and the 

ongoing delivery of policy areas previously 

completed. We will also take forward consultation 

where required. 

6.3.1 Policy Development 

As Waterways Ireland continues to evolve, new policies are continually being developed to 

ensure compliance with legislative requirements and to provide direction and guidance for 

staff in their delivery of our business objectives. 

In 2008 work continued on the Access for Disabled People Policy with the development of 

guides giving direction to users on ensuring accessibility in written communications and in 

the built environment. The draft policy on the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults 

was presented to the Partnership Forum and to Senior Managers for consideration. 

Significant progress was made in 2008 in drafting new Bye Laws for the navigations under 

the care of Waterways Ireland. Following internal consultation exercises, it is proposed that 

these Bye Laws will be the subject of external consultation in 2009 before enactment. 

Waterways Ireland’s Interim Policy on Environment and Heritage was issued in 2008 

and a consultative process was initiated with statutory stakeholders. The purpose of the 

policy is to ensure that the waterways are developed and managed in an environmentally 

sustainable fashion. This policy recognises that Waterways Ireland has a major role to 

play in advocating and implementing high quality environmental management of the 

waterways. 

All policies were developed in collaboration with the Equality Unit in Waterways Ireland, 

and screened to identify and mitigate against any adverse impact on any of the identified 

equality groups. 

6.3.2 Policy Review 

Work continued in the review of all corporate policies and procedures to ensure full 

compliance with changing and new legislation. Policies were also reviewed for accessibility 

to support the equality agenda of the organisation. Policies reviewed during 2008 included; 

Recruitment and Selection, Code of Conduct, Dignity at Work, Grievance and Disputes and 

Annual Leave. 

The staff handbook, developed in 2007, was introduced and distributed to all staff in 2008. 

Distribution was supported by a full programme of workshops at which staff reviewed and 

discussed key policies, addressing supporting legislation and best practice guidance to gain 

an understanding of the relevance of policies in a work environment. 

6.3.3 Irish Language Policy 

Waterways Ireland continued to provide its services in the Irish language to those wishing 

to avail of service in that language. 

44 


Goal 6 

6.4 Provide appropriate accommodation and facilities 

including the completion of the organisation’s new 

headquarters’ building in Enniskillen 

6.4.1 Enniskillen Headquarters 

In September 2008, Waterways Ireland took occupation of a new purpose built 

headquarters building in Enniskillen. The building provides accommodation for all 

Headquarters staff to be located in the one building for the first time since Waterways 

Ireland was established. The building provides a base for the central administration 

functions of the organisation including the Chief Executive’s Office, Finance, Human 

Resources, Marketing and Communication, Property and Legal, IT, Strategy and Policy 

and Operations Administration, as well as technical engineering functions in design and 

operations. The building project, co funded by the sponsor Departments, complied with the 

Government’s “Achieving Excellence in Construction for Northern Ireland” initiative which 

promotes design quality and sustainability in construction whilst achieving best value 

for money. The building design complies with the Low Carbon Design Initiative and has 

achieved the highest Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment (BREAM) 

score of any building in Northern Ireland. The building’s heating is fuelled by bio fuels & 

solar panels. The building was designed and constructed to be accessible to all. Facilities at 

the new headquarters buildings include a public jetty, an exhibition area, a library and an 

archive resource. 

The temporary premises previously occupied by Waterways Ireland were returned to their 

owners in October 2008. 

6.4.2 Scariff 

Works to install air conditioning at the Scariff office were completed in 2008. 


45

Goal 6 

6.4.3 Depots 

Waterways Ireland has a number of depot locations and is committed to ensuring that this 

accommodation is fit for purpose and facilitates staff welfare. In 2008 work commenced 

to provide a new workshop and office accommodation at Thomastown in Co Kildare. 

This project is being managed by the Office for Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the 

organisation. 

6.5 Continue to ensure fairness and provide equality 

of opportunity for all within Waterways Ireland 

whilst promoting awareness of government 

initiatives and policies, and establishing effective 

working relationships with other agencies. 

6.5.1 Equality Work Programme 2008 

The Annual Equality Work Programme 2008 was developed and approved for 

implementation by the organisation’s Equality Steering Group. The Equality Steering Group 

is a representative group of staff from across all of the divisions in Waterways Ireland 

whose remit is to pro-actively support and promote the development of the equality 

agenda in Waterways Ireland. Key elements of the 2008 Equality Work Programme included 

the continued screening of corporate policies and publications to maximise accessibility, 

ongoing development of good relations initiatives, through the Waterways Ireland 

Sponsorship Programme, local schools initiatives and the WI Affirmative Action Programme 

as well as working with local community groups. The rollout of Equality and Disability 

Awareness training programme for all staff was completed in 2008. The Equality Steering 

Group reviewed progress against objectives during the course of the year. The organisation’s 

Equality Scheme Progress Report 2007 – 2008 was submitted to the Equality Commission, 

Northern Ireland, in September. 

6.5.2 Disability Action Plan 

The Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 extended the coverage of 

the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and placed new duties on Waterways Ireland to 

promote positive attitudes towards disabled people and encourage their participation in 

public life. In response to the new legislation, Waterways Ireland developed a Disability 

Action Plan for the period 2007 – 2010 which was subject to public consultation. In 2008, 

Waterways Ireland integrated Year 2 actions from the Disability Action Plan into the 

Equality Work Programme for 2008. This saw the organisation appoint Access Officers 

for communications and the internet, and pro- actively address accessibility issues in our 

built environment, with particular attention paid to the new Headquarters building which 

opened in 2008. Further efforts were made to encourage participation by people with 

disabilities in events sponsored by Waterways Ireland in 2008, through inclusive promotion 

of events and addressing accessibility as a criterion for funding. In September 2008, the 

organisation conducted a review of the Disability Action Plan and submitted a Progress 

report to the Equality Commission, Northern Ireland. 

46 


Goal 6 

The Disability Act 2005 also placed a number of obligations on Waterways Ireland. In 2008 

Waterways Ireland again undertook a survey of staff employed in Ireland, identifying the 

number of people with disabilities employed in the organisation, and the measures being 

taken to employ people with disabilities. This survey provided information to build on the 

baseline data collated in the first survey of 2007. Further to the proactive programme to 

raise awareness of equality and disability issues undertaken between the first survey in 

2007 and the second survey in 2008, it was noted that the response rate to this survey had 

improved dramatically in 2008. 

6.5.3 Affirmative Action 

In 2008 Waterways Ireland continued with the Affirmative Action Plan to encourage 

members of the Protestant community to apply for vacancies in Waterways Ireland. 

The Affirmative Action Plan was developed in 2007 in consultation with the Equality 

Commission, Northern Ireland, (ECNI) to address an identified imbalance in the applicant 

pool for Waterways Ireland vacancies. The Affirmative Action Plan aims to raise awareness 

of opportunities available in the organisation among the Protestant community and 

consequently encourage applications from this group. A meeting with ECNI, in 2008, 

reported that progress in addressing the imbalance had been made, and that work should 

continue. The organisation continued to develop and build links with relevant schools, 

colleges, community groups and community representatives in furtherance of the 

affirmative action. 

6.6 Continue to develop and use the risk management 

register and the process of risk management to 

safeguard the organisation against loss and to 

ensure the delivery of our key goals 

Risk management continued to be an integral part of business management, with the 

ongoing review and revision of the organisation’s risk register. Risk Management summaries 

were presented to the Audit Committee and to Sponsor Departments on a quarterly basis. 

In 2008, as part of the organisation’s strategy to integrate active risk management into 

routine business functions, work commenced on the development of a bespoke interactive 

Risk Management System for Waterways Ireland. This system will support and encourage 

risk owners to identify and manage risks and controls in their work area, integrating risk 

management with service delivery and performance management issues. The system 

will allow monitoring and review of all risks identified in the organisation and will provide 

reports and updates as required including a full risk register. It is anticipated that the new 

system will be commissioned fully in early 2009. 


47

Goal 6 

6.7 Use information technology to support the 

development of the systems of the Body 

During 2008 Waterways Ireland undertook Stage 1 of a Computerised Risk Assessment 

Management Methodology (CRAMM) Review, analysing the risks threats and vulnerability 

of the organisations IT systems in respect of confidentiality, integrity and availability. 

Consequently, the organisation implemented a system of External Security Auditing and 

Monitoring. 

Waterways Ireland put in place a Disaster Recovery service in 2008. Designed to protect 

and preserve service delivery in the event of a disaster, it provides effective recovery of key 

Financial and Human Resource Data in the event of a disaster. Based in Dublin, this recovery 

service is fully operational and is tested bi-annually. 

Throughout 2008 work continued to ensure IT services and support for 150 users across 

15 Waterways Ireland locations. In a programme of continuous improvement the 

organisation reviewed and upgraded IT equipment, and various support systems including 

anti virus, back up security and internet monitoring to support the business need. 

48 


Part 3 

Waterways Ireland – Organisational Chart Appendix 1 

Contact Details Appendix 2

Part 3 

Appendix 1 

WATERWAYS IRELAND - ORGANISATIONAL CHART 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

Operations 

Finance and 

Personnel 

Technical Services Marketing / 

Communications 

Northern Region Finance / 

Procurement / 

Governance 

Civil Design 

Marketing & 

Promotions 

Eastern Region IT Mechanical 

Engineering 

North / South 

Ministerial Council 

Western Region Personnel Environmental 

Services 

Visitor Services 

Operations 

& Planning 

Administration 

Corporate Planning Health and Safety Departmental 

Liaison / 

Communications / 

Customer Relations 

Navigation 

Inspectorate 

Strategy / 

Development 

Building Services 

Publications 

Legal Services Training Structural Design Library / Archive / 

Photographic 

Management 

Property / Valuation 

Equality and Human 

Rights 

Asset Management 

Special projects 

in relation to the 

Grand Canal Docks 

Accommodation 

and House 

Management 


51

Part 3 

Appendix 2 

Contact Details 

Headquarters 

Email: info@waterwaysireland.org 

Website: www.waterwaysireland.org 


2 Sligo Road 

Enniskillen 

Co Fermanagh 

BT74 7JY 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 6632 3004 

Fax: +44 (0) 28 6634 6257 

Eastern Region 

Regional Office 


Floor 2, Block C 

Ashtowngate 

Navan Road 

Dublin 15 

Tel: +353 (0) 1 868 0148 

Fax: +353 (0) 1 838 3647 

Tullamore 


Harbour Street 

Tullamore 

Co Offaly 

Tel: +353 (0) 57 935 2300 

Fax: +353 (0) 57 935 1812 

Thomastown 


18th Lock 

Thomastown 

Killucan 

Co Westmeath 

Tel: +353 (0) 44 937 4940 

Fax: +353 (0) 44 937 4960 

52 


Part 3 

Appendix 2 


Northern Region 


Coleraine 

Enniskillen 

Kilclare 

Ballyconnell 


Somerview House 

Old Dublin Road 

Carrick-on-Shannon 

Co Leitrim 


37 Castleroe Road 

Coleraine 

BT51 3RL 


2 Sligo Road 

Enniskillen 

Co Fermanagh 

BT74 7JY 


Kilclare 

Co Leitrim 


Derryginney 

Ballyconnell 

Co Cavan 

Tel: +353 (0) 71 965 0787 

Fax: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 7034 4342 

Fax: +44 (0) 28 7035 9530 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 6634 6292 

Fax: +44 (0) 28 6634 6257 

Tel: +353 (0) 71 964 1581 

Fax: +353 (0) 71 964 1581 

Tel: +353 (0) 49 952 6603 

Fax: +353 (0) 49 952 6824 

Western Region 


Portumna 


Scarriff Harbour 

Dock Road 

Drewsborough 

Scarriff 

Co Clare 


Connaught Harbour 

Bridge Road 

Portumna 

Co Galway 

Tel: +353 (0) 61 922 033 

Fax: +353 (0) 61 922 147 

Tel: +353 (0) 90 974 1165 

Fax: +353 (0) 90 974 1243 


53

Part 3 

Appendix 2 


Athlone 


The Docks 

Athlone 

Co Westmeath 

Tel: +353 (0) 90 649 3516 

Fax: +353 (0) 90 649 4147 

Press Office 





Co Leitrim 

Tel: +353 (0) 71 965 0898 

Fax: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 

Visitors Centre 


Grand Canal Quay 

Dublin 2 

Tel: +353 (0) 1 677 7510 

Fax: +353 (0) 1 677 7514 

Inspectorate 

Inspector of Navigation 

Assistant Inspector 

of Navigation 

Assistant Inspector 

of Navigation 

Lough Erne Warden 


The Docks 

Athlone 

Co Westmeath 


Harbour Street 

Tullamore 

Co Offaly 





Co Leitrim 


2 Sligo Road 

Enniskillen 

Co Fermanagh 

BT74 7JY 

Tel: +353 (0) 90 649 4232 

Fax: +353 (0) 90 649 4147 

Tel: +353 (0) 57 935 2300 

Fax: +353 (0) 57 935 1812 

Tel: +353 (0) 71 965 0787 

Fax: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 

Tel: +44 (0) 28 6632 2836 

Fax: +44 (0) 28 6634 6257 

54 


Part 4 

Annual Accounts 

for the year ending 

31st December 2008

Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2008 

Foreword to the Accounts 57 – 59 

Statement of Responsibilities 60 

Statement on Internal Control 61 – 62 

Audit Certificate 63 – 64 

Income and Expenditure Account 65 

Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses 66 

Balance Sheet 67 

Cash Flow Statement 68 

Notes to the Accounts 69 – 84 

Appendix 1 Accounts Direction 85 

56 



Foreword to the Accounts 

Background Information 

Waterways Ireland was established on the 2nd December 1999 under the British Irish 

Agreement Act 1999 and the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) 

(Northern Ireland) Order 1999. Its functions are the management, maintenance, 

development and restoration of the island’s inland navigable waterway system, principally 

for recreational purposes. 

The accounts contained in this document refer to the year ended 31st December 2008. 

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with: 

• The financial arrangements of Part 7 Annex 2 of the British-Irish Agreement 

establishing Implementation Bodies; 

• A direction by the Department of Community Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA) 

and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), as provided for in the Body’s 

Financial Memorandum; 

• The Annual Report and Accounts Guidance provided by the Department of Finance 

(DOF) and the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) (2006). 

Business Review 

A full review of Waterways Ireland’s activities is given in the Annual Report. 

Results for the Period 

The results of Waterways Ireland are set out in detail on page 65. The deficit for the period 

was €1,626,726 or STG£1,292,283. 

Reporting Currency 

The normal operating currency of the Body is Euro. Sterling values are the Euro values 

translated at the average exchange rate for the year of €1.2588 to £1 for the Income and 

Expenditure Account while the Balance Sheet is translated at the closing rate at year end of 

€1.0342 to £1. 

Fixed Assets 

Details of the movements in fixed assets are set out in note 7 to the accounts. 

Waterways Ireland took over from DCRGA and DARD (Department of Agriculture and 

Rural Development) an asset portfolio comprising mainly infrastructure assets such as 

waterways, canals, tow-paths, lock-houses and associated navigational features (locks, 

weirs, etc). Under guidance provided by the Department of Finance and the Department 

of Finance and Personnel definable major assets or components within an infrastructure 

system or network with determinable finite lives are treated separately and depreciated 

over their useful economic lives. 

Operational heritage assets including land, navigational structures and work in progress 

have been valued in the accounts. Where title and value have been verified, land and 

buildings of a non operational nature have been valued in the accounts. See Note 1.4. 


57


Research and Development 

Waterways Ireland has carried out marketing research to identify what facilities are 

provided within the vicinity of its waterways. 

Future Developments 

There will be substantial capital developments in the provision of harbours, on shore 

facilities and extension of navigable channels under the National Development Plan. 

Work has commenced on the design phase of the Ulster Canal. 

Waterways Ireland has entered into a development agreement with the Dublin Dockland 

Development Authority combining the two organisation’s property interests in a site in the 

Dublin Docklands known as Plot 8. This site is approximately 1.21 hectares in the City of 

Dublin and will bring to the market a major property development opportunity. 

The decision in relation to the allocation of any income from this development to 

Waterways Ireland is ultimately a matter for the Department of Finance and we understand 

that discussions are taking place between DCRGA and DOF on this matter. It is not 

expected that any proceeds will be realised in 2009. 

Important Events occurring after the Year End 

There have been no significant events outside the year-end, which affect these accounts. 

Charitable Donations 

Waterways Ireland made no charitable donations during the period. 

Equality Policy 

Waterways Ireland has prepared an Equality Scheme in compliance with the requirements 

of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and is fully committed to meeting the 

equality requirements of both jurisdictions. 

Policy in relation to people with disabilites 

Waterways Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes people with 

disabilities as employees. 

Employee Involvement 

The Staff Partnership Forum with representatives of management, unions and other staff to 

discuss items of common interest continued to meet throughout 2008. 

58 



Practice on Late Payments 

Waterways Ireland is committed to the prompt payment of bills for goods and services 

received in accordance with the UK Late Payment Of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 

1998, as amended by the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2002 – Statutory 

Instrument 2002 No. 1674 and the Irish Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997, as 

amended by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) 

Regulations 2002. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, payment is due within 30 days 

of the receipt of the goods or services, or presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand, 

whichever is later. 

Interest charges of €7,041 were incurred in the year and are included with currency gains. 

Health and Safety 

Waterways Ireland is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for its staff. A 

revised Health and Safety Statement was prepared and a Health and Safety committee has 

been established. 


59


Statement of Responsibilities 

Waterways Ireland Responsibilities 

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and the Department of 

Culture, Arts and Leisure have directed Waterways Ireland to prepare a statement of 

accounts for each financial year in the form and on the basis set out in the accounts 

direction at Appendix 1 to these accounts. The accounts are prepared on an accruals 

basis and must give a true and fair view of the Body’s state of affairs at the year end and 

of its income and expenditure, total recognised gains and losses, and cash flows for the 

financial year. 

In preparing the accounts Waterways Ireland is required to: 

• Observe the accounts direction issued by the Department of Community, Rural 

and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, including 

the relevant accounting and disclosure requirements, and apply suitable accounting 

policies on a consistent basis; 

• Make judgements and estimates on a reasonable basis; 

• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed and disclose and 

explain any material departures in the accounts; 

• Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume 

that Waterways Ireland will continue in operation. 

Chief Executive’s Responsibilities 

The Chief Executive’s responsibilities, as the Accountable Person for Waterways Ireland, 

include responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances and for the 

keeping of proper records as set out in the Financial Memorandum of the Body. 

60 



Statement on Internal Control 

Scope of responsibility 

As Accounting Officer, I have responsibility for maintaining a sound system of internal 

control that supports the achievement of Waterways Ireland’s policies, aims and objectives, 

whilst safeguarding the public funds and assets for which I am personally responsible, in 

accordance with the responsibilities assigned to me in Government Accounting Northern 

Ireland and Public Financial Procedures. 

The purpose of the system of internal control 

The system of internal control is designed to manage risk to a reasonable level rather than 

to eliminate all risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives. It can therefore only 

provide reasonable and not absolute assurance of effectiveness. 

The system of internal control is based on an ongoing process designed to identify and 

prioritise the risks to the achievement of policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the 

likelihood of those risks being realised and the impact should they be realised, and to 

manage them efficiently, effectively and economically. The system of internal control 

has been in place in Waterways Ireland for the year ended 31st December 2008 and up 

to the date of approval of the annual report and accounts, and accords with the Finance 

Departments’ guidance. 

Capacity to handle risk 

I have carried out appropriate procedures to ensure that we have identified the Body’s 

objectives and risks and determined a control strategy for each of the significant risks. As a 

result risk ownership has been allocated to the appropriate staff and the Body has set out 

its attitude to risk to the achievement of its objectives. 

The risk and control framework 

In 2008 the risk register was updated and the risk management process continued. In 

addition a new computerised risk management system was developed. 

I have ensured that procedures are in place for verifying that aspects of risk management 

and internal control are regularly reviewed and reported on. A full risk and control 

assessment has been carried out for the year ended 31st December 2008. Risk management 

has been incorporated fully into the corporate planning and decision making process of the 

Body. The Directors group report to me regularly on key risks identified that may affect 

their area of work. I receive periodic reports concerning internal control. The appropriate 

steps are being taken to manage risks in significant areas of responsibility and monitor 

progress on key projects. 


61


Review of effectiveness 

My review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control is informed by 

1. The work of the internal auditors; 

2. Senior managers within Waterways Ireland who have responsibility for the 

development and maintenance of the internal control framework; 

3. Comments made by the Comptrollers and Auditors General in their management 

letter and other reports. 

I have been advised on the implications of the result of my review of the effectiveness of 

the system of internal control by management and the Audit Committee and a plan to 

address weaknesses and ensure continuous improvement of the system is in place. 

As Accounting Officer, I also have responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the 

system of internal control. 

The Body has established the following processes: 

• The Directors’ group meet monthly to review and monitor progress on business plans 

and any other issues; 

• A monitoring committee meets monthly where the organisation reports progress 

on business plan and addresses any other issues (this committee comprises senior 

members of Waterways Ireland and representatives of the Sponsor Departments); 

• A finance sub committee meets bi-monthly to review financial matters (this 

committee comprises senior members of Waterways Ireland and representatives of 

the Sponsor Departments); 

• Regular reports by internal audit, which include the Internal Auditor’s independent 

opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of Waterways Ireland’s system of internal 

control together with recommendations for improvement; 

• Implementation of a robust audit prioritisation methodology based on risk ranking; 

• An audit committee comprising senior members of Waterways Ireland and external 

members met regularly in 2008. This committee reviews the control mechanisms, 

audit plans and audit reports for Waterways Ireland; 

• Establishment of key performance and risk indicators; 

• A top level risk register was prepared and submitted to Sponsor Departments every 

quarter. 

John Martin 

Chief Executive 24th June 2009 

62 



The Certificate of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Northern 

Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas 

We have audited the financial statements of Waterways Ireland for the year ended 

31st December 2008 pursuant to the provisions of the North/South Co-operation 

(Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British-Irish Agreement 

Act 1999 which require us to audit and certify, in co-operation, the financial statements 

presented to us by the Body. 

The financial statements, which have been prepared under the accounting policies set out 

therein, comprise the Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow 

Statement and the related notes. 

Respective responsibilities of the Board, the Chief Executive and the 

Auditors 

The responsibilities of the Body and the Chief Executive, including those pertaining to 

the preparation of the accounts in accordance with applicable law and the regularity of 

financial transactions are set out in the Statement of Responsibilities. 

It is our responsibility to audit the accounts in accordance with relevant legal and 

regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 

We report our opinion as to whether the accounts give a true and fair view, and have 

been properly prepared, in accordance with the accounts direction issued under the 

governing legislation. We also report our opinion as to whether in all material respects 

the expenditure and income have been applied for the purposes intended by the Northern 

Ireland Assembly and Dáil Éireann and whether the financial transactions conform to 

the authorities which govern them; and whether proper accounting records have been 

kept by the Body. In addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and 

explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit, and whether the accounts are in 

agreement with the accounting records. 

We review whether the Statement on Internal Control reflects the Body’s compliance with 

applicable guidance on corporate governance and report any material instance where it 

does not do so, or if the statement is misleading or inconsistent with other information we 

are aware of from our audit of the accounts. We are not required to consider whether the 

Statement on Internal Control covers all financial risks and controls, or to form an opinion 

on the effectiveness of the risk and control procedures. 

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report, and consider whether it 

is consistent with the audited financial statements. We consider the implications for our 

report if we become aware of any misstatements or material inconsistencies with the 

financial statements. 


63


Basis of Audit Opinion 

We conducted our audit of the accounts in accordance with International Standards 

on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes 

examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts, disclosures and regularity 

of financial transactions included in the accounts. It also includes an assessment of the 

significant estimates and judgments made by the Body and the Chief Executive in the 

preparation of the accounts, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the 

Body’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. 

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations 

that we considered necessary to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable 

assurance that the accounts are free from material misstatement, whether caused by error, 

or fraud or other irregularity and that, in all material respects, the expenditure and income 

have been applied for the purposes intended by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil 

Éireann and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them. In 

forming our opinion we have also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of 

information in the accounts. 

Opinion 

In our opinion 

• the accounts, which have been properly prepared in accordance with the accounts 

direction issued under the governing legislation, give a true and fair view, in 

accordance with that direction, of the state of the Body’s affairs at 31st December 

2008 and of its deficit for the year then ended; 

• in all material respects the expenditure and income have been applied for the 

purposes intended by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil Eireann and the 

financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them. 

We have obtained all the information and explanations that we consider necessary for the 

purpose of our audit. In our opinion proper accounting records have been kept by the Body. 

The accounts are in agreement with the accounting records. 

JM Dowdall CB 

Comptroller and Auditor General for 

Northern Ireland 

106 University Street 

Belfast 

BT7 1EU 

30 June 2009 

John Buckley 

Irish Comptroller and Auditor General 

Dublin Castle 

Dublin 2 

Ireland 

30 June 2009 

64 



Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December 2008 

INCOME 

Notes € STG£ € STG£ 

2008 2008 2007 2007 

Revenue Funding from Departments 2 30,731,872 24,413,626 30,265,785 20,703,047 

Release from Capital Grant Reserve 14 6,021,918 4,783,856 4,490,297 3,071,549 

Other Operating Income 3 376,475 299,075 358,277 245,077 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

TOTAL INCOME 37,130,265 29,496,557 35,114,359 24,019,673 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

EXPENDITURE 

Staff Costs 4 18,719,763 14,871,118 17,905,587 12,248,161 

Programme Costs 5 6,675,622 5,303,163 6,595,853 4,511,835 

Other Operating Costs 6 7,393,784 5,873,677 6,600,041 4,514,701 

Currency (gains)/losses and interest payable (54,096) (42,974) 2,859 1,956 

Depreciation 7 6,010,026 4,774,409 4,470,482 3,057,994 

__________ __________ _________ __________ 

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 38,745,099 30,779,393 35,574,822 24,334,647 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Operating Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year (1,614,834) (1,282,836) (460,463) (314,974) 

Profit/(Loss) on Disposal of Fixed Assets (11,892) (9,447) (11,217) (7,673) 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year transferred 13 (1,626,726) __________ (1,292,283) __________ __________ (471,680) __________ (322,647) 

to Revenue Reserve 

The net cost of operations arises wholly from continuing operations. 

The notes on pages 69 to 84 form part of these accounts. 


65


Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses for the year ended 31st December 2008 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Surplus/(Deficit) for the financial year (1,626,726) (1,292,283) (471,680) (322,647) 

Unrealised surplus on revaluation 7.1, 7.2 ___________ 217,505,521 210,312,822 ___________ __________- __________- 

of Land and Buildings 

215,878,795 ___________ 209,020,539 ___________ 

__________ (471,680) __________ (322,647) 

66 



Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2008 

Fixed Assets 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Tangible Assets 7.1 60,507,921 58,506,982 47,930,121 35,193,568 

Operational and Non Operational 

Heritage Assets 7.2 871,106,656 842,299,996 652,096,132 478,813,519 

Current Assets 

Cash at bank and in hand 8 397,016 383,887 782,844 574,817 

Stocks 9 734,394 710,108 804,325 590,590 

Debtors/Prepayments 10 ___________ 449,934 ___________ 435,056 ___________ 419,329 ___________ 307,899 

- amounts due within one year 

1,581,344 1,529,051 2,006,498 1,473,306 

Current Liabilities 

Creditors - amounts due within one year 11 ___________ 1,625,484 ___________ 1,571,731 ___________ 2,227,491 ___________ 1,635,576 

Net Current Assets/(Current Liabilities) (44,140) (42,680) (220,993) (162,270) 

Debtors/Prepayments 

- amounts due after one year 10 12,214 11,810 886 651 

Creditors - amounts due after one year 11 12,214 11,810 886 651 

Provision 12 ___________ 1,768,750 ___________ 1,710,259 ___________- ___________- 

Total Assets Less Liabilities 929,801,687 899,054,039 699,805,260 513,844,817 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Financed by: 

Capital and Reserves 

Revenue Reserve 13 (1,812,890) (1,752,939) (220,993) (162,267) 

Capital Grant Reserve 14 ___________ 931,614,577 900,806,978 ___________ 700,026,253 ___________ ___________ 514,007,084 

929,801,687 899,054,039 699,805,260 513,844,817 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

John Martin 





67


Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31st December 2008 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Net Cash in/(out)flow from 15.1 (420,657) (334,173) (531,046) (363,257) 

operating activities 

Capital expenditure and financial investment 

Receipt from sale of fixed assets 18,829 14,958 - - 

- plant, computers and furniture 

Receipt from sale of fixed assets - land 13 16,000 15,471 11,707 8,596 

Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets 7.1,7.2 (20,139,550) (19,473,554) (17,602,506) (12,924,962) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Net Cash outflow before financing (20,525,378) (19,777,298) (18,121,845) (13,279,623) 

Financing 

Capital funding received 14 20,139,550 19,473,554 17,602,506 12,924,962 

Difference on currency translation ___________- __________ 112,814 ___________- ___________ 52,055 

Decrease in Cash 15.2 (385,828) (190,930) (519,339) (302,606) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 


68 



Notes to the Accounts 

1. Accounting Policies 

1.1 Accounting Convention 

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention. 

Without limiting the information given, the accounts are prepared on an accruals basis 

and comply with the accounting and disclosure requirements of the Companies (Northern 

Ireland) Order 1986, the Republic of Ireland Companies Acts 1963 to 2005, the accounting 

standards issued or adopted by the Accounting Standards Board (except in relation to 

accounting for pension costs) and accounting and disclosure requirements issued by the 

Department of Finance and the Department of Finance and Personnel. 

1.2 Income 

Income includes those grants receivable from DCRGA and DCAL which funded activities in 

the current period. 

Other Operating Income comprises mainly permit and other navigation income generated 

by Waterways Ireland. Other Income is from issue of licences and property rental. 

1.3 Expenditure 

Expenditure relates to the operational activities of Waterways Ireland and is accounted for 

on an accruals basis. 

1.4 Fixed Assets 

Valuation 

Waterways Ireland capitalise items with a useful economic life of over one year and with 

a value in excess of €1,000. Expenditure on IT and Furniture and Fittings are treated as 

a grouped asset and capitalised. There is no policy in relation to the impairment of fixed 

assets. 

A fixed assets register is maintained to record all assets. 

Operational heritage assets are the canals and waterways which are navigable and are 

under the ownership of Waterways Ireland. Assets included in the valuation are navigational 

structures incorporating canals, locks, aqueducts, bridges, moorings, harbours etc. along 

with the associated land base on which they are constructed. Valuations are based on 

replacement costs of structural assets less accumulated depreciation, land values are 

based on amenity land values. The net book value of these assets in 2008 is €871,106,656, 

(STG£842,299,996) and depreciation of €3,693,344, (STG£2,934,020) was charged in the 

year. The 2007 comparable net book value was €652,096,132, (STG£478,813,519) and the 

depreciation charge was €2,617,526, (STG£1,790,496). In 2008 Scarriff regional office and 

Enniskillen headquarters were classified to buildings and Percy Place, Plot 8 and Lennox 

Street were reclassified from non-operational heritage assets to surplus assets. 


69


A revaluation was carried out for the 2008 accounts with navigational structures 

increased in line with construction inflation since 2003 of 28.92%, an increase in costs 

of €282,449,912, (STG£273,109,565), accumulated depreciation of €118,947,087, 

(STG£115,013,621) and their land base in line with current amenity values an increase of 

€54,621,646, (STG£52,815,361). Revaluations will be revised on availability of bridge survey 

information from the Bridge Management System. 

The Capital Grant Reserve represents the value of grants used to purchase fixed assets 

and the value of infrastructure assets transferred to Waterways Ireland. The Capital Grant 

Reserve is amortised in line with depreciation. 

Where projects on completion will create new assets or a revaluation of an existing 

operational heritage asset, the related project costs have been included in work in progress 

in the 2008 accounts. 

Surplus assets with a net book value of €24,680,000, (STG£23,863,856) have been 

included. The 2007 comparable net book value was €25,200,000, (STG£18,503,561). 

Formal valuations were carried out by GVA Donal O Buachalla and CB Richard Ellis Ireland. 

The valuations were prepared in accordance with The RICS/SCS Appraisal and Valuation 

Standards. 

Outstanding Valuations 

Waterways Ireland has inherited a large property portfolio in the South of Ireland very little 

of which is formally registered with the property registration authority which would define 

the extent of ownership and any burdens on a property. 

The records detailing the transaction agreements licenses, leases and other interests 

granted or acquired on the property portfolio, are not complete and active management 

of the property for recreational use was not a primary concern for many years when the 

canals were not valued as the recreational resource they represent today. Much of the 

linear corridors of the canals is held by third parties under a wide variety of lettings and 

leases which, due to the duration of the time in which they have existed, may well now 

represent different tenancy rights in law than as stated in the original agreement. Often 

maps and deed coverage is incomplete and defining and proving exactly what WI owns can 

be a difficult task. 

Valuation for accounts purposes has been based on estimated net average values for linear 

stretch’s of waterways informed by the detail known of any large and or valuable land 

plots. 

An exercise to research the 650 rent files is underway to bring these back into an active 

management regime, and where possible and appropriate put in place modern letting 

agreements or return the land to public use. 

In time this work and the ongoing work of the property section to review the entire 

property portfolio and register the land will inform individual valuations. 

70 



Depreciation 

Depreciation rates: 

Asset Category 

Excavators, Boats and Dinghies 

Barges 

Plant and Machinery 

Vehicles 

IT Equipment and Software 

Furniture and Fittings 

Canal Structures, Locks, Bridges, Fixed mooring 

Floating moorings 

Lock Gates 

Office Buildings 

Method 

5% to 10% of cost. 

5% of cost. 

10% to 16.7% of cost. 

10% to 16.7% of cost. 

20% of cost. 

10% of cost. 

0.2% of cost. 

4% of cost. 

2% of cost. 

2% of cost. 

1.5 Pension Costs 

The North/South Pension Scheme was established by the North/South Implementation 

Bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited with effect from 29th April 2005. It is a defined benefit 

pension scheme which is funded annually on a pay as you go basis from monies provided 

by the UK and Irish Exchequers. The Scheme is administered by an external administrator. 

Funding from the Irish Exchequer is provided by DCRGA to the Body which then funds the 

administrator. The Northern Ireland share of the benefits paid during the year is directly 

funded to the body by the UK Exchequer until such time as the pension bank accounts are 

set up and the administrator makes payments. 

The Northern Ireland element of the costs is accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined 

contribution scheme, i.e. the Body recognises only the employer’s contributions in respect 

of the Northern element of the costs as an expense of the period. It also recognises a 

corresponding amount as income, representing the value of the resources that the UK 

Exchequer will make available to the administrator. In respect of the element of pension 

costs ultimately borne by the Irish Exchequer, the Department of Finance & Personnel 

(Northern Ireland) and the Department of Finance (Ireland) have directed that the only cost 

recognised in the accounts up to 31st December 2008 will be the cost of pensions paid to 

the extent that this cost is ultimately borne by the Irish Exchequer. 


71


1.6 Value Added Tax 

VAT is included as expenditure or, where appropriate, capitalised in the value of fixed assets. 

Returns to Revenue Commissioners are in respect of certain services from abroad and intracommunity 

acquisitions. Revenue authorities in Northern Ireland have determined that 

there is no business activity in Northern Ireland and there is no liability to VAT. 

1.7 Stock 

Stock figures in the accounts are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

72 



2. Funding From Departments 

2.1 Financial Year 1st January - 31st December 2008 

Note DCRGA DCRGA DCAL DCAL TOTAL TOTAL 

€ STG£ € STG£ € STG£ 

Funding taken 25,778,760 20,478,837 4,953,112 3,934,789 30,731,872 24,413,626 

to Income 

Funding Capitalised 14 12,364,341 __________ ___________ 9,822,324 ___________ 7,509,881 ___________ 5,965,905 ___________ 19,874,222 ___________ 

15,788,229 

38,143,101 __________ ___________ 30,301,161 ___________ 12,462,993 ___________ 9,900,694 ___________ 50,606,094 ___________ 

40,201,855 

2.2 Financial Year 1st January - 31st December 2007 

Note DCRGA DCRGA DCAL DCAL TOTAL TOTAL 

€ STG£ € STG£ € STG£ 

Funding taken 

to Income 25,584,788 17,501,052 4,680,997 3,201,995 30,265,785 20,703,047 

Funding Capitalised 14 __________ 11,127,892 ___________ 7,611,938 ___________ 6,474,614 ___________ 4,428,903 ___________ 17,602,506 ___________ 

12,040,841 

36,712,680 __________ ___________ 25,112,990 ___________ 11,155,611 ___________ 7,630,898 ___________ 47,868,291 ___________ 

32,743,888 

This table indicates how the funds have been applied in the accounts. This is based on generally accepted 

accounting principles. The Body was paid grants from money voted by the Northern Ireland Assembly and 

Dáil Éireann. NSMC, with the approval of the Finance Ministers, recommended that the grants should be 

split on an 85:15 basis for current work - DCRGA (85) and DCAL (15). Capital works are 100% funded in the 

jurisdiction in which they take place. The funding definition of current and capital differs from generally 

accepted accounting principles. DCAL funding taken to income includes a notional charge for ASLC of 

€505,729 (STG£401,755). This amount corresponds to actual payments made by DCAL of STG£338,837, 

the difference being accounted for by currency movements. 2007 comparatives are €425,290 

(STG£290,916). This corresponds to actual payments made by DCAL of STG£289,219, the difference being 

accounted for by currency movements. ASLC’s are paid by DCAL direct to DFP to fund pension liability 

based on 24.2% of 15% of pensionable pay. 

3. Other Operating Income 

€ STG£ € STG£ 

2008 2008 2007 2007 

Licences 5,450 4,330 770 527 

Property Related Income 126,744 100,686 90,860 62,152 

Operating Income 230,861 183,398 238,723 163,296 

Interest Receivable 10,638 8,451 3,030 2,073 

Other Income ___________ 2,782 ___________ 2,210 ___________ 24,894 ___________ 17,029 

Total ___________ 376,475 ___________ 299,075 ___________ 358,277 ___________ 

245,077 


73


4. Staff Costs 

2008 2007 

4.1 The average weekly number of employees (full time equivalent) was as follows: 335 335 

Category of Employment: Administration 109 104 

Operations 226 231 

In addition 6 students were given placements in the organisation in 2008 and 9 temporary and 15 agency 

staff were engaged to cover maternity leave and other staff absence. 

4.2 The costs incurred in respect of these employees were: 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Staff Costs 16,316,402 12,961,870 15,664,578 10,715,219 

Employers NIC/PRSI 1,398,702 1,111,139 1,333,495 912,166 

Pension Costs Current year ASLC (a) 505,728 401,754 425,290 290,916 

Pensioner payments (b) ___________ 629,166 ___________ 499,814 ___________ 748,551 ___________ 512,039 

18,849,998 14,974,577 18,171,914 12,430,340 

Less Staff Costs included in work in progress (130,235) (103,460) (266,327) (182,179) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Total 18,719,763 14,871,117 17,905,587 12,248,161 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

(a) ASLC (Accruing Superannuation Liability Charges) are paid by DCAL for their pension contribution 

direct to DFP. 

(b) Pensioner payments relate to the Southern portion of lump sums and pension payments to retired staff. 

4.3 Details of emoluments and pension entitlements of the Chief Executive and Senior Managers: 

Name Age at Emoluments Real increase Value of Benefit 

December within band: in pension Accrued Pension in Kind 

2008 earned in Year at the end of year 

in band: 

in band: 

Ray Dunne 55 €100,000 to €105,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €40,000 to €45,000 €0 

John McKeown 49 €100,000 to €105,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €35,000 to €40,000 €0 

Joseph Gillespie 50 €95,000 to €100,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €35,000 to €40,000 €0 

John Martin, Nigel Russell, Colin Brownsmith, Brian D’Arcy and Martin Dennany withheld consent to 

disclose the information above. 

74 



5. Programme Costs 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Contracted in Services 1,973,741 1,567,954 2,214,544 1,514,839 

Civil Construction /Supply contract costs/ 3,007,096 2,388,859 3,086,152 2,111,055 

Health and Safety 

Plant Hire 392,136 311,516 306,826 209,881 

Mechanical Spares and Equipment 604,396 480,137 506,793 346,667 

Rivers Agency Charges 61 48 39,855 27,262 

Fuel and Light 26,917 21,383 39,142 26,775 

Travel 387,124 307,534 401,039 274,327 

Miscellaneous 284,151 225,732 1,502 1,029 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Total 6,675,622 5,303,163 6,595,853 4,511,835 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Analysis of Programme Costs by Waterway 

Shannon Navigation 1,489,124 1,182,971 1,438,185 983,778 

Royal Canal 1,833,694 1,456,700 1,859,260 1,271,810 

Grand Canal 1,829,218 1,453,144 1,703,192 1,165,054 

Barrow Navigation 611,097 485,460 582,268 398,295 

Erne System and Lower Bann 376,576 299,155 324,164 221,741 

Shannon Erne Waterway 535,913 425,733 688,784 471,157 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Total 6,675,622 5,303,163 6,595,853 4,511,835 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Note: In 2008 Travel and Health and Safety have been split between Programme and Other Operating 

Costs. Previously these had been disclosed under Other Operating Costs. This disclosure gives a better 

representation of where these costs are incurred. Plant hire with driver is reanalysed as contracted in 

services. The 2007 comparative have also been amended. Analysis of Programme Costs by Waterway 

has been amended to reflect these changes. General Expenditure under Analysis of Programme Costs by 

Waterway has been split evenly over the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation. 


75


6. Other Operating Costs 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Travel 787,099 625,277 757,783 518,354 

Recruitment costs 119,354 94,816 90,891 62,172 

Training and Conferences 260,698 207,100 313,242 214,270 

Contracted in Services 813,258 646,058 1,072,734 733,794 

Compensation 24,448 19,422 104,533 71,505 

Provision for Liability claims 1,768,750 1,405,108 - - 

Premises Running Costs including Utilities 416,742 331,063 520,265 355,882 

Health and Safety 36,079 28,661 15,954 10,913 

Communications 242,597 192,721 295,312 202,005 

Printing and Stationery 149,997 119,159 269,010 184,014 

Computer Running Costs 744,879 591,737 670,362 458,555 

Rent 488,452 388,030 535,646 366,404 

Audit Fee 38,746 30,780 34,300 23,464 

Marketing and Promotions 870,367 691,426 1,120,938 766,768 

Insurance and Legal Fees 437,468 347,528 529,221 362,009 

Pension Administrator costs 73,633 58,495 125,912 86,129 

General Expenditure 121,217 96,296 143,938 98,463 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Total 7,393,784 5,873,677 6,600,041 4,514,701 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Note: In 2008 Travel and Health and Safety have been split between Programme and Other Operating 

Costs. Previously these had been disclosed under Other Operating Costs. Comparatives have been 

restated. The 2007 comparatives have been revised to reflect a reanalysis of General Expenditure to Travel, 

Recruitment costs Training, Contracted in Services, Computer running costs, Printing and Premises costs. 

76 



7.1 Fixed Assets 

Surplus Buildings Work In Plant, Computers, Total 

Assets Progress Vehicles Furniture 

& Machinery and Fittings 

€ € € € € € 

Cost or Valuation 

At 1st January 2008 25,200,000 - 14,097,980 16,061,163 5,202,243 60,561,386 

Additions - 6,062,989 4,326,178 1,562,029 1,209,524 13,160,720 

Capitalised from 

Work in Progress - 8,682,659 (8,682,659) - - - 

Capitalised to 

Operational Heritage - - (988,780) - - (988,780) 

Reclass from 

Operational Heritage 114,950 3,408,436 - - - 3,523,386 

Revaluation (618,950) - - - - (618,950) 

Disposals __________ (16,000) __________- __________- __________ (15,248) __________ (61,443) __________ (92,691) 

At 31st December 2008 24,680,000 __________ __________ 18,154,084 __________ 8,752,719 __________ 17,607,944 __________ 6,350,324 75,545,071 __________ 

Depreciation 

At 1st January 2008 - - - 8,973,942 3,657,323 12,631,265 

Provision for year - 363,183 - 1,261,343 692,156 2,316,682 

Reclass from 

Operational Heritage - 135,173 - - - 135,173 

Disposals __________- __________- __________- __________ (15,062) __________ (30,908) __________ (45,970) 

At 31st December 2008 __________ - __________ 498,356 __________ - 10,220,223 __________ __________ 4,318,571 __________ 

15,037,150 

Net Book Value € 

At 31st December 2008 24,680,000 __________ __________ 17,655,728 __________ 8,752,719 __________ 7,387,721 __________ 2,031,753 __________ 

60,507,921 

At 31st December 2007 25,200,000 __________ __________ - __________ 14,097,980 __________ 7,087,221 __________ 1,544,920 __________ 

47,930,121 

Net Book Value STG£ 

At 31st December 2008 23,863,856 __________ __________ 17,071,870 __________ 8,463,275 __________ 7,143,416 __________ 1,964,565 58,506,982 __________ 

Currency Translation (5,860,339) (983,351) (4,026,441) (1,700,775) (443,436) (13,014,342) 

Adjustment 

At 31st December 2007 18,503,561 __________ __________ - __________ 10,351,700 __________ 5,203,922 __________ 1,134,385 __________ 

35,193,568 

Note: Currency translation adjustment is the difference between the net book value of fixed assets 

calculated using year-end exchange rates and their net book value stated at historic rates of exchange. 

Plant, Machinery and Vehicles have been amalgamated as well as Computer Equipment with Furniture and 

Fittings in 2008, comparatives for 2007 also restated. 


77


7.2 Fixed Assets - Operational Heritage Assets 

Operational 

Heritage Assets 

€ 

Cost or Valuation 

At 1st January 2008 1,072,585,797 

Additions 6,978,830 

Capitalised from Work in Progress 988,780 

Reclass to Surplus Assets (242,000) 

Reclass to Buildings (3,408,436) 

Revaluation 337,071,558 

Disposals _____________- 

At 31st December 2008 _____________ 

1,413,974,529 

Depreciation 

At 1st January 2008 420,489,665 

Reclass to Surplus Assets (127,050) 

Reclass to Buildings (135,173) 

Revaluation 118,947,087 

Provision for year _____________ 3,693,344 

At 31st December 2008 _____________ 

542,867,873 

Net Book Value € 

At 31st December 2008 _____________ 

871,106,656 

At 31st December 2007 _____________ 

652,096,132 

Net Book Value STG£ 

At 31st December 2008 _____________ 

842,299,996 

Currency Translation Adjustment (152,285,244) 

At 31st December 2007 _____________ 

478,813,519 

Note: Operational Heritage assets includes assets transferred to the Body and newly constructed assets. 

As a result of some Operational Heritage Assets being reclassified as building in 2008 (Note 1.4), 2007 

comparator figures have also been restated. Currency translation adjustment is the difference between the 

net book value of fixed assets calculated using year-end exchange rates and their net book value stated at 

historic rates of exchange. 

78 



8. Cash at Bank and in hand 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Sterling Bank Account 12,329 11,921 61,574 45,212 

Euro Bank Account 5,299 5,124 109,332 80,279 

Euro Bank Reserve Account 377,780 365,287 609,602 447,611 

Petty Cash __________ 1,608 __________ 1,555 __________ 2,336 __________ 1,715 

Total __________ 397,016 __________ 383,887 __________ 782,844 __________ 574,817 

9. Stocks 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Hardware 237,618 229,760 333,904 245,175 

Timber 190,942 184,628 177,759 130,523 

Fuel and Lubricants 29,612 28,633 28,874 21,201 

Protective Clothing 77,263 74,708 82,010 60,217 

Spare Parts and Filters 64,144 62,023 80,852 59,367 

Smart Cards 12,866 12,440 29,046 21,328 

Publications 76,126 73,608 31,427 23,076 

Miscellaneous __________ 45,823 __________ 44,308 __________ 40,453 __________ 29,703 

Total __________ 734,394 __________ 710,108 __________ 804,325 __________ 

590,590 

10. Debtors and Prepayments 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Amounts falling due within one year: 

Trade Debtors 84,464 81,671 48,570 35,663 

Other Debtors 58,341 56,412 33,507 24,603 

Prepayments __________ 307,129 __________ 296,973 __________ 337,252 __________ 247,633 

Total 449,934 435,056 419,329 307,899 

Amounts falling due after one year: 

Other Debtors __________ 12,214 __________ 11,810 __________ 886 __________ 651 

Total __________ 462,148 __________ 446,866 __________ 420,215 __________ 

308,550 


79


11.1 Creditors and Accruals 

Note € STG£ € STG£ 

2008 2008 2007 2007 

Amounts falling due within one year: 

Trade Creditors 103,344 99,926 129,770 95,286 

Other Creditors 56,014 54,162 205,933 151,210 

Deferred Creditor 11.2 20,363 19,690 285,691 209,774 

VAT Creditor 23,383 22,610 61,169 44,914 

Accruals __________ 1,422,380 __________ 1,375,343 __________ 1,544,928 __________ 1,134,392 

Total 1,625,484 1,571,731 2,227,491 1,635,576 

Amounts falling due after one year: 

Other Creditors Pension __________ 12,214 __________ 11,810 __________ 886 __________ 651 

Total __________ 1,637,698 __________ 1,583,541 __________ 2,228,377 __________ 

1,636,227 

Note: In 2008, deferred creditor has been seperately shown from other creditors. As a result, 2007 

comparatives have been restated. In 2008, the VAT creditor has been separately shown from accruals. 

As a result, 2007 comparatives have been restated. 

11.2 Deferred Creditor 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

At 1st January 285,691 209,774 285,691 192,514 

Movement in year 14 (265,328) (210,779) - - 

Difference on currency translation __________- __________ 20,695 __________- __________ 17,260 

At 31st December 11.1 __________ 20,363 __________ 19,690 __________ 285,691 __________ 

209,774 

12. Provision 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

At 1st January - - - - 

Movement in year 6 1,768,750 1,405,108 - - 

Difference on currency translation __________- __________ 305,151 __________- __________- 

At 31st December __________ 1,768,750 __________ 1,710,259 __________ - __________ 

- 

Note: The above provision made in 2008 represents a reliable estimate of probable settlements for legal 

cases against the Body. 

80 



13. Revenue Reserve 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

At 1st January (220,993) (162,267) 238,980 161,028 

Surplus/(Deficit) in the year (1,626,726) (1,292,283) (471,680) (322,647) 

Plus: Transfer from Capital Grant Reserve - 

Sale of plant, computers and furniture 18,829 14,958 - - 

Sale of land 16,000 15,471 11,707 8,596 

Difference on currency translation 15.1 ___________- ___________ (328,818) ___________- ___________ (9,244) 

At 31st December ___________ (1,812,890) ___________ (1,752,939) ___________ (220,993) ___________ (162,267) 

14. Capital Grant Reserve 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

At 1st January 700,026,253 514,007,084 686,914,044 462,848,895 

Revaluation 7.1, 7.2 217,505,521 210,312,822 11,707 8,596 

Capital Grants Received 2 19,874,222 15,788,229 17,602,506 12,040,841 

Release from Deferred Creditor 11.2 265,328 210,779 - - 

Less: Transfer to Revenue Reserve - 

Sale of plant, computers and furniture (18,829) (14,958) - - 

Sale of land (16,000) (15,471) (11,707) (8,596) 

Less: Amortisation of Capital Grants (6,021,918) (4,783,856) (4,490,297) (3,071,549) 

Difference on currency translation 7.1, 7.2 ___________- 165,302,349 ___________ ___________- ___________ 42,188,897 

At 31st December ___________ 931,614,577 900,806,978 ___________ 700,026,253 ___________ 514,007,084 

___________ 


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15. Notes to Cash Flow Statement 

15.1 Reconciliation of result for the year to net cash in/(out)flow from 

operating activities: 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Result for the year (1,626,726) (1,292,283) (471,680) (322,647) 

Adjustment for non-cash transactions: 

Provision for Liability claims 1,768,750 1,405,108 - - 

Depreciation 6,010,026 4,774,409 4,470,482 3,057,994 

Amortisation of Capital Grants (6,021,918) (4,783,856) (4,490,297) (3,071,549) 

Adjustment for non-operating transactions: 

(Profit)/Loss on disposal of fixed assets 11,892 9,447 11,217 7,673 

Adjustment for movements in working capital: 

Decrease/(Increase) in stock 69,931 (119,518) 4,803 (45,392) 

Decrease/(Increase) in debtors (41,933) (138,316) 127,751 60,675 

(Decrease)/Increase in creditors (590,679) (52,686) (183,322) 11,203 

Difference on currency translation __________- __________ (136,478) __________- __________ (61,214) 

Net cash in/(out)flow from operating activities __________ (420,657) __________ (334,173) __________ (531,046) __________ 

(363,257) 

Note: Currency translation adjustment reflects the amount of the movement in the value of current assets 

and liabilites which is attributable to the change in exchange rates over the year. 

15.2 Reconciliation of net cash in/(out)flow to movement in net debt: 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Cash in bank at 1st January 782,844 574,817 1,302,183 877,423 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) __________ (385,828) __________ (190,930) __________ (519,339) __________ (302,606) 

Cash in bank at 31st December __________ 397,016 __________ 383,887 __________ 782,844 __________ 

574,817 

16. Capital Commitments 

Capital commitments at 31st December 2008 for which no provision has been made. 


2008 2008 2007 2007 

Contracted __________ 4,360,900 __________ 4,216,689 12,342,005 __________ __________ 

9,062,343 

Authorised but not contracted __________ - __________ - __________ 7,035,995 __________ 

5,166,308 

Note: Formal approval on 2009 capital programme has not yet been received. 

82 



17. Contingent Liabilities 

The contingent liability of Waterways Ireland at 31st December 2008 is estimated as being 

€440,000. 

18. Performance Against Key Financial Targets 

Annual action plans are presented to North South Ministerial Council and approved. No 

financial targets are set other than spend to be maintained within budget limits which was 

achieved. Non financial targets are set and are reported in Part 1 of the Annual Report. 

19. Related Party Transactions 

Waterways Ireland is a cross border implementation body sponsored by DCRGA and DCAL. 

These departments are regarded as related parties and during the year, Waterways Ireland 

was principally funded by these departments and had various transactions with them. 

None of the members of the key management staff of Waterways Ireland has undertaken 

any material transactions with Waterways Ireland during the financial year 1st January 

2008 – 31st December 2008. 

20. Losses Register 

A Losses Register is maintained by Waterways Ireland. Losses recorded during the year 

amounted to €109,374 and have been incorporated within these accounts where the cost 

relates to this financial year. Public liability claims are €20,552, employee related claims are 

€48 and other claims are €88,774. 

21. Financial Instruments, Liquidity, Interest Rate and Foreign 

Currency Risk 

21.1 Financial Instruments 

Due to the non-trading nature of its activities and the way the Body is financed, the Body 

is not exposed to the degree of financial risk faced by business entities. The Financial 

Memorandum permits the Body to borrow subject to the prior approval of the sponsor 

departments and the Finance departments, which the Body has not sought. The financial 

assets and liabilities are generated by day-to-day operational activities and are not held to 

change the risks facing the Body in undertaking its activities. 

The Body’s financial instruments mainly consist of cash, trade debtors and trade creditors. 


83


21.2 Liquidity, Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Risk 

The Body’s net revenue resource requirements are financed by resources voted annually by 

the Assembly and Dail Eireann, as is its capital expenditure. It is not therefore exposed to 

significant liquidity risks. The Body does not access funds from commercial sources and so 

is not exposed to significant interest rate risk. The Body’s transactions are effected in the 

currencies of each part of Ireland, with recorded gains and losses being taken to the Income 

and Expenditure Account. The Body’s exposure to foreign currency risk is not significant as 

it receives agreed levels of funding from its sponsoring Departments in sterling and euro. 

However, transactions are conducted in sterling and euro, and funding is received in sterling 

and euro, the Body is exposed to foreign currency risk to a limited degree. 

84 



Appendix 1 

ACCOUNTS DIRECTION 

WATERWAYS IRELAND 

ACCOUNTS DIRECTION GIVEN BY THE NORTHERN IRELAND DEPARTMENT OF 

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE, THE IRISH DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, HERITAGE, 

GAELTACHT AND THE ISLANDS WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE 

DEPARTMENTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NORTH/SOUTH CO-OPERATION 

(IMPLEMENTATION BODIES) (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1999 AND THE 

BRITISH-IRISH AGREEMENT ACT 1999. 

The annual accounts shall give a true and fair view of the income and expenditure 

and cash flows for the financial year, and the state of affairs as at the year end. 

Subject to this requirement, the Body shall prepare accounts for the financial 

period 2 nd December 1999 to 31 st December 2000 and subsequent financial years in 

accordance with: 

a. the North/South Implementation Bodies Annual Reports and Accounts 

Guidance; 

b. other guidance which Finance Departments may issue from time to 

time in respect of accounts which are required to give a true and 

fair view; 

c. any other specific disclosures required by sponsoring Departments; 

except where agreed otherwise with Finance Departments, in which case the 

exception shall be described in the notes to the accounts. 

Signed by authority of the 

Department of Culture, Arts 

and leisure 

Department of Arts, Heritage 

Gaeltacht and the Islands 

Date 

Date 


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Annual Report and Accounts Tuaras agu - Waterways Ireland

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