Minister Catherine Martin TD breaks ground on €1.2million Water Sports Facility in Co. Leitrim

 Today [11th September 2024], Minister Catherine Martin officially turned the sod on the new €1.2 million Water Sports Facility at Acres Lake, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Leitrim County Council, this best-in-class outdoor tourism amenity aims to enhance the visitor experience and serve as a central hub for outdoor activities in Leitrim.

The new Water Sports Facility at Acres Lake will help extend the outdoor tourism season by providing year-round hot showers, changing rooms, toilets, secure storage, induction spaces, and equipment washdown areas. Accessibility and sustainability will be key focus points for the project, ensuring full wheelchair access and the installation of solar heating panels to comply with 'Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards'. It will also feature Leitrim’s first Changing Places facility along with an accessible toilet.

Breaking ground to mark the beginning of construction on the new tourism development, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD said:

"I’m pleased to officially turn the sod on this new Water Sports Facility at Acres Lake. Funded under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy, Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth scheme is already making strides in transforming the region's outdoor tourism infrastructure. It is a prime example of our dedication to creating outdoor amenities for the local community, while also motivating both domestic and international visitors to explore the natural beauty and rich heritage of Leitrim. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Leitrim County Council, I am confident this project will bring both social and economic benefits to local businesses and communities in Leitrim, while encouraging the spread of tourism throughout the wider region."

Cathaoirleach at Leitrim County Council, Cllr. Paddy O’Rourke said:

“I am pleased to welcome Minister Catherine Martin to County Leitrim to mark the beginning of the construction phase of the new Water Investment Facility at Acres Lake. The development of the Shannon Blueway and Acres Lake has acted as a catalyst for opening many enterprises in the area. This has led to a significant increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, and angling. This trend is expected to continue growing each year and extend the season. to result in year-on-year growth. The new facility will address the increased demand in capacity and enhance the existing Shannon Blueway, providing much-needed facilities for waterways users and improving their overall visitor experience.”

Head of Activities at Fáilte Ireland, Fiona Monaghan said:

“Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of tourism and enhancing the visitor experience, particularly in regional areas. Today marks the beginning of the journey in developing a fantastic new tourism amenity that will help strengthen the outdoor tourism offering in Co. Leitrim. The Shannon Blueway and Acres Lake are important parts of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, with so much potential to attract both international and domestic visitors. We look forward to working with Leitrim County Council to develop this best-in-class Water Sports Facility that will benefit both visitors and the local community while helping extend the outdoor activity season in the area.”

Joseph Gilhooly, Chief Executive at Leitrim County Council said:

“Today marks a significant milestone that we have eagerly waited for the past year. We are thrilled to finally commence work on this world-class facility here at Acres Lake, Drumshanbo. This will be the first of 22 such facilities across the country, and we are excited about the prospect of opening the centre and attracting more visitors to the area. I wish to acknowledge the significant financial support of Fáilte Ireland in advancing this project, their recognition of the need for this facility, Waterways Ireland for providing the site, and our dedicated staff, who have worked collaboratively with all stakeholders to bring the project to this stage.”

This project is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Scheme, funded under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy. The first Fáilte Ireland investment scheme of its kind, it specifically targets ‘platforms’ or projects that have the greatest potential to grow tourism across Ireland and strategically enhance the Irish tourism offering to meet visitor needs.