The potential of on-water recreation along Dublin's Grand Canal has been outlined in a brand new report.

Launched on Friday 27 January by Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland, The Grand Canal Recreation Activation and Animation: Portobello to Kylemore Road Report considers the opportunities along the canal, its towpaths and land resources.

The report recommends a collaborative, community-based approach to unlock the on-water recreation potential of the Grand Canal from Portobello to Kylemore Road.

This area has limited on-water activity at present, even though it has one of the longest stretches of the canal in the city with no navigation locks. The Grand Canal and its towpaths represent a significant opportunity to unlock the potential of this water asset for local communities, Dubliners and visitors to the city. 

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Speaking on behalf of Dublin City Council, Derek Kelly, Director of Services and Bruce Phillips, Area Manager said: "We look forward to working with Waterways Ireland and local communities to promote access and use of this valuable resource – the Grand Canal - in the city."

Máirín Ó Cuireáin, Dublin Development Manager, Waterways Ireland added: "Waterways Ireland warmly welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Dublin City Council and local community organisations, and will engage enthusiastically  in the  next stage of the process to increase activation and animation on and along the Grand Canal."

Commissioned jointly by Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland, the report by Irish Leisure Consultants is informed by the views and knowledge of local communities and stakeholders, as well as the ambitions of national and local strategies and plans.

In Spring and Summer 2023, the project partners will work with local stakeholders to pilot a number of on-water activities and explore sustainable initiatives to unlock the potential of the city's Grand Canal.