1. Introduction to the Midland Waterways Mr. James Stone Director

2. Key Regional Data: Area:6,524 sq. km – Covering counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford & Westmeath. Population:225,363 (2002 Census) Employment as a share of total: (2003 data) Agricultural Employment10.0% Industrial Employment30.4 % Services Employment59.8 %

3. Midland Region Tourism Data Regions – Midlands East 2003 Tourism Facts

4. Locating the Midland Region

5. River Shannon River Barrow The Grand Canal The Royal Canal Lough Ennel, Owel, Derravaragh Lough Ree Midland Waterways

6. Shannon Navigation

7. The River Barrow

8. The Grand Canal

9. Tourism Activities Angling Rowing Canoeing Golf Equestrian Trails Horse Racing Greyhound Racing Water Sports Walking Heritage Trails

10. Services in the Region B&B Hotels Hostels

11. What we need: Definite image for the Region Greater awareness of our waterways Database of services available along waterways i.e. tap location, ATM etc. Best practice case studies Quality Service