Information from Bord Failte, Baggot Street Bridge, Dublin 2 Tel. The IWAI was formed in 1954 to promote the development, use and maintenance of Ireland's navigable rivers and canals. When the Shannon was almost totally undeveloped for pleasure boating, the IWAI fought the building of low bridges, thus ensuring the development of the river as a national asset. Later the IWAI successfully fought the threatened closure of the Grand Canal in Dublin and has done much to instigate the improvement of the Barrow and to focus interest and activity on the restoration of the Royal Canal and other closed navigations. The IWAI is the respected voice of the waterway user, lobbying and advising national and local government authorities as well as other bodies on all matters connected with the waterways including pollution and future developments.
Competitions help to raise standards of boatmanship, seaworthiness and safety afloat.
The IWAI publishes a quarterly newsletter , sent out free to all members, which brings local events, activities and developments into national perspective. Some of the branches bring out local newsletters. Every member is affiliated to a local branch and each branch is represented on a national Council.