IWAI Kildare Aims

IWAI Kildare promote and support

the use, maintenance and development of the inland waterways within the IWAI Kildare sector
the restoration to good order and maintenance in good order of the canals
the re-opening of disused waterways and the fullest use of the canals by both commercial and recreational traffic, provided such is not injurious to the environmental health of the waterways and surrounding areas
any proposal which may be calculated to maintain or improve these waterways
the improvement of the navigations, moorings and other works on and adjacent to the waterways

We oppose by appropriate action

the abandonment or neglect of the canals
the pollution of our waterways
the obstruction of canals by fixed bridges, aqueducts, overhead cables or otherwise
the obstruction of towpaths, or any other action calculated to injure or destroy the navigation or amenities of the canals

Working in collaboration with other IWAI Groups and other Organisations, having similar and sympathetic aims, we

contribute to guide books, charts, maps and other literature for use by those using the canals
foster interest in and knowledge of the canals by distributing information to our members and the public
organise visits for our members to places of interest on the waterways including water-borne journeys
advance navigation knowledge, by encouraging through education, the skill and practice of boating and all safety aspects of boating
safeguard the natural environment by encouraging environmental protection and sustainability in and around boating
advance waterways education and heritage through assisting in the restoration and maintenance of canals and canal infrastructure in Kildare & West Dublin, for the use and education of the general public
promote safety on the waterways and advocate the interests of IWAI in all matters pertaining to the Canals

IWAI Constitution Nov 2021

IWAI Residential Policy

Direction for IWAI Kildare

During a Round Table discussion held in 2019, attendees set forth a direction for IWAI Kildare, over the next 3-5 years. This took the form of a prioritised set of objectives with some suggested actions on how to deliver these objectives.

Pri	Objective	Action
1	Open Corbally Canal	Public relations campaign – print, on-line and graphic
		Talk to TDs and Councillors
2	Raise profile of IWAI Kildare	Interact with stakeholders
		Improve Branding
3	Hold Branch Open Day	Advertise ++
3	Continue to enjoy boating, etc	Run good boat rallies
		Run small boat rallies – Pollardstown, Corbally
4	Increase Residential Boater members	Engage with Residential Boating communities
4	Examine, photograph, record weed and other issues on canals	Engage with NavWatch

Take a look at some of our past Events and this year’s Calendar.

Waterways in Kildare & West Dublin

IWAI Kildare’s Sector covers the waterways from Lock 12 at Newcastle Road, Co Dublin to Lock 20 at Ticknevin on the Grand Canal Main Line, the Naas and Corbally Canals, the Milltown Feeder and south on the Barrow Line as far as Lock 22 at Glenaree. On the Royal Canal, IWAI Kildare has an interest from Confey near Leixlip west to Kilcock.

The Grand Canal, Barrow Line and the River Barrow meander in and out of County Kildare at various points.

The Grand Canal Main Line passes from Dublin into Kildare at Aylmer Bridge east of Lock 13. To the west, the Grand Canal Main Line passes from Kildare into Offaly west of Ticknevin Lock, a few metres east of Blundell Aqueduct.

The Grand Canal Barrow Line heads south through Kildare from Lowtown to Glenaree . The waterways in Co Kildare from Rathangan to Monasterevin, are in the IWAI North Barrow Sector, as is the section that runs through Co Laois that includes Fisherstown and Vicarstown before entering Co Kildare again near Ballycowan and continuing to Athy at its confluence with the River Barrow.

The River Barrow navigation heads south from Athy in Kildare through Ardreigh. It then forms the border between two counties with Kildare on its East Bank and Laois on its West Bank to just below Maganey Bridge. At this point it enters Co Carlow is then on its East Bank and Laois is on its West Bank, part of IWAI Barrow branch.

Kildare waterways