More shore power points needed for boats in Leitrim, meeting hears

More electric charging points for boats in Leitrim could bring benefits for both tourism and the environment, a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District has heard.

At a meeting on November 9, Cllr Maeve Reynolds called on Waterways Ireland to install additional shore power points at public moorings in Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim Village and Dromod, with a view to extending provision to other public moorings throughout the Municipal District.

Shore power points are external electrical outlets, typically located on marina docks, that supply electricity from the local power grid to boats when they are moored.

Cllr Reynolds highlighted the environmental benefits of installing additional shore power points. “From a climate point of view, Carrick is designated as the decarbonisation zone in the council’s Climate Action Plan,” she said, describing the proposal as a “very practical and viable step” towards preventing boats from leaving their diesel engines running to generate electricity, which would reduce exhaust fumes in towns and villages.

“From a tourism point of view, boaters will be more comfortable staying overnight at different moorings and will spend longer time in the towns and villages, pubs and restaurants,” she told the meeting.

She also requested information on the number of shore power points available at public moorings along the Shannon-Erne Waterway, to allow comparisons with provision at other locations outside the Municipal District.

“It would be very beneficial to the boaters. It wouldn’t be a big investment and it would bring a big return,” she said, adding that, as Carrick-on-Shannon is one of the boating capitals of Ireland, the issue needs to be addressed.

Her motion was seconded by Cllr Seán McGowan.