Offaly and Westmeath have contributed to the new study.
Fáilte Ireland is releasing a new report to rejuvenate and sustainably develop the cruise-hire sector along the Shannon Navigation.
Stakeholders from Offaly, Westmeath, and eight other counties along the river's route have contributed to a 90-page study.
The Shannon navigation takes in some of the midlands most storied tourism attractions.
From the sixteen-arch bridge at Shannonbridge, to the 1,400 year old monastery of Clonmacnoise, and through Athlone and Glasson the route is a crucial amenity for local businesses.
Tourism Ireland's new study seeks to future proof the cruise hire sector.
Developed in collaboration with Waterways Ireland, the Irish Boat Rental Association and Local Authorities along the navigation, the study outlines a roadmap for the sector's development up to 2033, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Government's Climate Action Plan.
A key recommendation from the study is to transition cruise-hire fleets away from diesel to engines powered by electricity or hydrogen.
The roadmap also recommends adopting eco-friendly practices and infrastructure improvements to minimise the environmental impact of the sector.
A increase in demand for cruise services is being forecast - and Fáilte Ireland believes existing marinas such as the one in Banagher can be expanded and enhanced.
Key stakeholders, including tourism officers in Offaly and Westmeath, have already met in Leitrim to figure out the first steps involved in implementing the plan.
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