New Shannonbridge river cruiser ‘will attract more people’ to Midlands region
A brand new leisure cruiser, the River Shannon Explorer, was officially launched in Shannonbridge on Friday last, July 4.
With over 100 people in attendance for the vibrant event, the newest addition to the Midlands waterways was hailed as a key step in ensuring the future of the rural town.
The luxurious catamaran will take passengers on a two-hour round trip from Shannonbridge to the historic settlement of Clonmacnoise, with routes expected in time to cover the river from Athlone to Killaloe.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, who officially launched the boat, said: “The really important thing about the River Shannon Explorer is that it is protecting life in a community like Shannonbridge. It’s investing in a tourism operation which will attract more people to the region.
“It recognises the transition away from one employment generator to new job opportunities. It’s government, local agencies, and Fáilte Ireland working together with local entrepreneurs who see a future for this area and who are investing their time and their money, along with state funds, into a company that will thrive and grow.”
MEPs Barry Cowen and Ciaran Mullooly, also in attendance, expressed their support for the project, along with Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr John Leahy. Also in attendance was Deputy John Clendennen.
The launch was the culmination of a three-year project by brothers TJ and John Maher, and Sean Harte.
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The River Shannon Explorer taking its official maiden voyage on Friday afternoon last. Photos: Ger Rogers.Image 2 of 5
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley pictured in the wheelhouse of River Shannon Explorer with John Maher, Director of Operations.Image 3 of 5
Sean Harte, River Shannon Explorer, John Maher, Director of Operations River Shannon Explorer, Barry Cowen MEP and Cllr Hughie Egan at the launch of the River Shannon Explorer in Shannonbridge last Friday.Image 4 of 5
Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine addressing the attendance when he launched the River Shannon Explorer in Shannonbridge.Image 5 of 5
Gerry and Anne Harvey with Gearóid Collins at the launch of the River Shannon Explorer in Shannonbridge.The trio were awarded a grant of €1.2 million from the Just Transition fund, designed to help the Midlands region move away from peat production and electricity generation, and they then worked hard to secure matching funding. Mr Maher firstly identified the futuristic 55-seat catamaran in Portugal last year, and after a number of modifications were agreed with the Marine Safety Office, the River Shannon Explorer was approved to transport passengers in Ireland.
It was then the arduous journey from Lisbon to Shannonbridge began, with Mr Maher engaging well known trawler fisherman, John O’Mahony, for the ambitious voyage. The expedition involved the removal of the top of the boat in Kilrush to facilitate the passing of the vessel under the thirteen bridges of Limerick and Adrnacrusha, which they called “a complex and hair-raising operation”.
The boat was then brought to Banagher for a full refit, carried out at the yard of Shane Newcombe. Shane is now the skipper of the River Shannon Explorer, assisted by a local crew. The River Shannon Explorer has created six new jobs.
John Maher, Director of Operations, said: “We are indebted to Just Transition and Failte Ireland for their support, and delighted to invite members of the public to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the River Shannon, where they will see Clonmacnoise through the eyes of the High Kings of Connaught and the Vikings as they approached the ancient settlement.
"We especially look forward to working closely with other tourism and hospitality businesses in this region of outstanding beauty.”