Watersports Project 2009-2011

Regional LaunchBallina, Co. Tipperary

30th April 2009

Marie Collins

Project Manager

Mid-West Regional Authority

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NEA

Nautisme Espace AtlantiqueWatersports in the Atlantic

Area

European Network of Local & Regional Authorities/Agencies responsible for the promotion and development of watersports in their territories

NEA 2 – follow-on initiativewww.nea2.eu

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Watersports Project

NEA 2 – co-funded by INTERREG IVB Atlantic Area France Lead Partner – Brittany 23 Partners from 5 EU Countries: Ireland, UK,

France, Portugal & Spain Irish Partners:

Mid-West Regional Authority Irish Canoe Union Ards Borough Council

Irish Sailing Association – associated Partners

Duration: January 2009 – December 2011

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Mid-West Region

North Tipperary, ClareLimerick Counties

Limerick City

Population: 361,028 (2006)

Dominated by water Lakes (Lough Derg, Lough

Gur, Ballyalla Lake) Rivers (River Shannon,

Fergus) Coastline (200km)

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Watersports in the Mid-West

Longstanding tradition of sailing, surfing & rowing

Sailing on Lough Derg since 1835 Surfing in West Clare 50 years Rowing in Limerick since 1866

In European terms low activity on our lakes Watersports slow to develop over the years Low numbers of locals engaging in watersports

– opportunities for increased activity Increase in the number of watersports clubs in

recent years - > 40 clubs in region Sailing, rowing, canoeing, surfing, powerboating, sub-aqua… Affiliated with Irish Sailing Association/Irish Canoe Union

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Work Programme 2009-2011

Inter-regional Cooperation Project Promotion & Marketing of Watersports Sailing, Canoeing, Surfing, Rowing,

Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Powerboating… 3 Main Actions

Economy Environment Social Inclusion

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Economy

Inventory of watersport offer in MW region Building on existing initiatives/databases

Online Guide to Watersports Currently disjointed & available from different sources

Aim: To provide one central online resource for user

Promote watersports products on offer User Guide to Watersports: Beginners – Intermediate – Advanced Course information – day courses Equipment Hire – costs Water Access – slip ways; moorings Watersports & Safety Watersports & The Enviroment Promote & Market MW Region as location for Competitions

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Existing Promotion Initiatives Discover Ireland

www.discoverireland.ie/shannon

Shannon Region Trails – water trailswww.shannonregiontrails.ie

Waterways Ireland: www.waterwaysireland.org/shannon

Discover Lough Dergwww.discoverloughderg.ie

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NEA 2

Opportunity for Mid-West Region to market All Watersports in one location

Promote within NEA 2 Network – France, UK, Spain & Portugal

Broaden across Europe

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Environment

Improving environmental credentials of Clubs & Centres

Energy conservation Energy Agencies – Monitoring Programme & Awareness

Campaign

Developing Environmental Training Modules Sporting Federations & Leave No Trace

Train the Trainer Courses Conservation – water quality / habitats

Fish Stocks/Wildlife

Lough Derg Heritage Project

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Social Inclusion

Increase participation of all users on the water Training Modules for Instructors for People with

Special Needs Young People through the Schools Programme

Exchange Programme with NEA 2 Regions

Disability Access – increase awareness for Clubs/Centres

Open Days for Socially Excluded Groups Improve Employment Opportunities

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Atlantic Watersports Games 2009

Porto, 1st – 6th August 2009

European Watersports Competition & Festival

Atlantic/Celtic Regions of Europe participate

Competitions: Sailing Kayaking Surfing Rowing

For more information on registration & Games please visit:

www.jniea.eu

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Contact Details

Marie CollinsProject ManagerMid-West Regional Authority

A: Friar Court, Abbey Street, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

T: 067 33197 / 37353E: mcollins@mwra.ieW: www.mwra.ie