Lough Rynn upgrades on track as Leitrim County Council targets future growth

Leitrim County Council has secured funding for several enhancements at the Lough Rynn rowing facility, a popular venue that typically hosts the Rowing Ireland Lough Rynn Rowing Regatta, Rowing Ireland 1K Regatta, Rowing Ireland University Championships and Canoe Ireland Sprint Canoe Championships each year.

Through the Sports Capital Grant, planned works include the completion of start bridge with eight adjustable fingers to meet FISA Rowing Standards, installation of an aligners pontoon with piles to the lakebed, construction of an aligners hut on the pontoon, a temporary start line which anchors secured to the lakebed, temporary stake boat pontoons, and supporting infrastructure at the 1000m chainage point to accommodate the Rowing Ireland 1K Classic Rowing Regatta at Lough Rynn.

A consultant engineer will prepare the Draft Design Build Tender documents, with the tender expected to be advertised on E-tenders in the third quarter of 2025.

At the April meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Maeve Reynolds requested an update on the rowing facility and campsite at Lough Rynn, as well as on future development plans.

Mohill-Lough Rynn walkway must be prioritised, says Leitrim councillor

Cllr Enda Stenson emphasised the need for a fully lit pedestrian walkway connecting Mohill to Lough Rynn, saying it is "absolutely essential."

A response from the Economic Development section stated: “The Lough Rynn Project vision is to create a world class facility that will serve both as a centre of excellence for the development of water sports and to allow public access to recreational sports.”

The Council aims to develop a facility that will benefit both local communities and national organisations, providing residents, visitors, and athletes with a shared space to enjoy a range of water-based activities.

Additionally, the Lough Rynn Dragons Boat Club received funding under the 2024 Community Recognition Fund Programme which will support the completion of a storage shed with some fit-out equipment by the end of the third quarter of 2025.

The Council’s response also noted their intention to seek planning permission for further marine infrastructure at Lough Rynn, positioning the project for a ten-year readiness window.

This would support future applications to various funding agencies and could potentially attract a European rowing event in the coming years. 

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