Proposal from IRBOA

IRBOA (the Irish Residential Boat Owners Association) is a group of like minded individuals who exist to promote and protect the rights of liveaboard boaters and
to promote and protect the right of navigation on Ireland's inland waterways.

The canal in Monasterevin has the potential to be a thriving community of liveaboard boats and boat based businesses.
Currently it isn't possible for liveaboard boats to remain in Monasterevin for more than a few days due to a lack of facilities. The installation of fresh water taps beside the canal, a pump out facility for black water and a disposal unit for chemical toilets would quickly remedy this.

This would provide an affordable, sustainable and low energy housing option for those prepared to take on the challenges of boat life. (The majority of liveaboard boats are 'off grid', relying largely on solar panels for their power and have no need or want for shore power) It would also allow for water based businesses such as a cafe or bar located on a barge. Such businesses are a real draw for locals and tourists alike.
Barges moored along canals are a draw for walkers who enjoy looking at the different styles and colours of the boats and many tell liveaboard boaters that they feel safer walking on the stretches of canal where liveaboard boats are moored. The few towns on the Grand Canal where liveaboard boats are currently moored, such as Sallins and Robertstown/Lowtown are very fond of their liveaboard communities and recognise how they enrich the local area and increase trade in local businesses.

The liveaboard communities in Ireland consist of people from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups. There are young families, retired people and everything in between. The sense of community in these groups is second to none and is something that is often remarked on.
Monasterevin has the opportunity to easily create a stretch of canal that could become alive with boats, which, after all is what the canal was designed and built for.

More and more people want to grow their own veg and the health benefits of working among growing things is well known however, for many, lack of garden space makes this difficult. The allocation of space for allotments would alleviate this.

We would like to suggest that the following be part of your development plan -

1.Several fresh water taps in Belle Harbour and along the canal some of which would also be accessible to campervans etc.

2.A pump out facility by the canal for black water.
3.A disposal unit for chemical toilets by the canal which would also be accessible to campervans etc.

4.Space for allotments.

Members of IRBOA would be glad to meet Council Members to discuss the development of the canal and help in anyway we can.