Not all plain sailing for developers

Donal Hickey on the future of the Shannon cruises

CRUISES on the Shannon have been enjoyed by thousands of people for many years. The John Hinde-style photos of boats on the great river, with leisurely stops along the way at quaint old pubs, have been used to promote Ireland as a laid-back and thoroughly “green” destination.

But there are fears that too much water-based activity is having adverse effects on the river, wildlife and surrounding lands. People have taken to describing Lough Derg as a commercial, world-class water park.