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Boyne Navigation and Tow Path


Boyne Navigation and Tow Path, Co. Meath		Click on an image to view a larger version.

Title:

Freehold

Date Acquired:

1969

From Whom Acquired:

J. Spicer

Designations:

Proposed NHAs and SACs alongside the navigation. The Boyne River Island Site (001862) as an SAC and Crewbane Marsh, Rossnaree Riverbank, and Dowth Wetlands are proposed NHAs.
Boyne Valley Walkway is a designated NRA under Meath County Development Plan.

Management:

An Taisce and Meath County Council

Management Contacts:

An Taisce Head Office / Meath Association.

ADDRESS / GRID REFERENCE

Starts from N 53' 43'' W 06' 24''

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

The navigation runs through a heavily visited world heritage site at Bru na Boinne. A rehabilitated navigation could support and benefit from this UNESCO site.
Proposed NHAs and SACs are located alongside the navigation. Rehabilitation will enhance their conservation.

HISTORY / DESCRIPTION
The Boyne Navigation Company began the construction of the Boyne Canal in about 1748, and over the next 50 years a series of bypassing canals were built to avoid the worst rapids and eventually stretched for 19 miles from Drogheda to Navan mostly on the southside. A feature of the tow path that was awkward for the horses and barges is that it changes from one side of the river to the other between Oldbridge and Broad Boyne Bridge (Stackallan). The scheme was never a commercial success and after a couple of owners who sold off some stretches, it was donated to An Taisce.

HOW ACQUIRED
Donated.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND FUTURE PLAN
Management committee has been re-established and is working to: -

Develop an action plan for the rehabilitation of the navigation.
Work with IAPs in regard to land ownership issue and rehabilitation.
Improve signage.
Develop literature.
Negotiate access to towpath at interpretative centre.
Establish an endowment fund.