Belfast could be site for Ireland’s first urban Blueway – but only if water quality improves
The first urban Blueway anywhere on the island of Ireland could be created in Belfast if water quality in the River Lagan is improved.
A feasibility study has explored the potential of the city to host a ‘Blueway’, which is a trail or network of trails “closely linked to water” and related activities such as sports and wildlife watching, as well as local sites of historical interest.
Accredited by the all-island Blueways Partnership, there are currently four of the trails in Ireland.
If given the green light, the proposed Belfast Blueway – which would be created in the harbour area and along the River Lagan – would be the first in the north, and the only one in Ireland within an urban setting.
The feasibility study was commissioned by the Maritime Belfast Trust, with the aim of “positioning the city as a leading destination for waterfront recreation, tourism and regeneration”.
Abercorn Marina in Belfast
However, the current water quality of the Lagan does not support the “safe, on-water experiences that are central to an accredited Blueway offering”.
This is a challenge that can be overcome with “sustained long-term investment and partnership working”, stakeholders hope, and they are looking at global examples of major water clean-up projects, including that of the Danish capital Copenhagen.
Kerrie Sweeney of the Maritime Belfast Trust said the feasibility study “represents an important first step in exploring how Belfast can reconnect communities with the waterways that shaped its history, while unlocking new opportunities for regeneration, recreation and environmental improvement”.
“While improving water quality will require long-term collaboration and investment, international examples such as Copenhagen show what can be achieved through sustained partnership working,” she said.
Among Ireland’s four existing accredited Blueways are the Shannon Blueway that contains over 100km of trails running through counties Leitrim, Roscommon and Longford, and the Lough Derg Blueway, with over 160km of trails, starting in Co Galway.
Blueway Partnership programme manager Chris Scott said: “Belfast’s waterfront has all the ingredients needed to become an outstanding urban Blueway.
“While current water quality presents a significant challenge, it is hugely encouraging to see how the ambition for a Belfast Waterfront Blueway is already helping to drive important conversations and collaboration around long-term environmental improvement. With sustained partnership working, there is real potential to transform the River Lagan into a vibrant asset for recreation, tourism and local communities.”
