New accessible fishing platform opens at harbour on Meath’s Royal Canal
A new accessible fishing platform at Enfield Harbour has officially opened, offering “anglers of all abilities” safe and comfortable access to the water for the first time in Meath.
The project is a collaboration between Meath Local Sports Partnership (Meath LSP), Waterways Ireland, and Meath County Council, funded through Sport Ireland’s Dormant Accounts Sports Inclusion Capital Programme.
The initiative aims to promote inclusive recreation across the county, providing wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility the opportunity to enjoy angling while benefiting from an important social outlet.
The site was developed under the supervision of Waterways Ireland, which manages this stretch of the Royal Canal, ensuring the facility is sustainable and high quality.
Meath LSP also worked closely with the Royal Enfield Coarse Angling Club to identify a suitable location and incorporate the needs of local anglers.
Cllr. Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, said the platform “links strongly with Meath’s rich heritage.”
"I believe accessible and safe infrastructure such as this plays a massive part in our communities,” he said.
“We are committed to ensuring more inclusive facilities are put in place within the county to meet the joint objectives of Meath County Council and Meath LSP to remove barriers to participation in sport and physical activity.”
Minister Charlie McConalogue T.D., who officially opened the facility, described it as “one of the first in Meath” and added: “Angling is one of the country’s oldest pastimes and one that is shared among communities across Ireland.
"Accessible platforms like this are vital to ensuring that all members of our communities can partake in and enjoy fishing.”
Mary Van Lieshout, Director at Sport Ireland, welcomed the initiative, saying: “I am happy to see Sport Ireland support this vital project that will assist and encourage fishermen and women of all ages and abilities in Meath.”
She added: "Removing barriers to physical activity is one of the key cornerstones of our unit, and I appreciate the great work undertaken by Meath LSP, Waterways Ireland, and Meath County Council in ensuring this project came to life.”
Meanwhile Mary Murphy, CEO of Meath LSP, said the facility aligns with the organisation’s strategic plan to promote inclusive sport and thanked all partners involved in making the new facility possible.
Jean Errity, Senior Engineer at Waterways Ireland, added that the project will play “a small but significant role” in the development of the Royal Canal and in encouraging the use of the waterway for amenity purposes.
“We believe this new platform will be a vital asset to the community of Enfield and its surroundings.”
The accessible fishing platform is now open to the public, free to use, with no advance booking required.