Businesses along the Shannon-Erne Waterway in Cavan and Leitrim are experiencing a serious downturn in trade as the number of cruisers traversing the route has reached "crisis point".
Part of the cruiser experience is to moor your craft at a jetty in one of the pretty villages and towns in Cavan and beyond, stock up on supplies at the nearest supermarket and enjoy a drink or meal at one of the local restaurants or bars. In 2004, 76,000 cruisers and the multiple passengers aboard each boat did just that. By 2023, that number decreased by over half to 35.000 cruisers and, for 2024, the number is expected to be even lower.
Sinn Féin Councillor Damien Brady told Zoe Tunney that the business owners he has spoken to are very concerned as the decline is beginning to pinch:
