Paddle Northern Ireland is committed to promoting and improve access, places to paddle, facilities and environmental awareness.
To date the paddling community in Northern Ireland have enjoyed good access to water via canoe steps and access points established by the Department for Agriculture which are now managed and maintained by local councils.
There are also 4 long distance inland canoe trails with excellent access and camping facilities. Access to water for sport and physical recreation has not been contentious in Northern Ireland.
Sport NI developed a Policy Position on Access to the Natural Environment in Northern Ireland for Sport and Physical Recreation in 2011. Whilst the emphasis of the paper is on access to land (principally by agreement) 8.7 of the policy states:
Sport Northern Ireland believes that inland waters should be afforded the equivalent status as public land and therefore be open for access for non-motorised sustainable recreation as is the case with the marine environment.
Paddle Northern Ireland supports this position and believes that good access comes with significant responsibilities to the natural environment, landowners and other users. As such the principles of sustainability and responsibility must be synonymous with access.
Across the island of Ireland outdoor sports governing bodies and statutory agencies have adopted and proactively support the seven principles of Leave no Trace (Ireland).
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Be Considerate of Others
- Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
- Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
- Leave What You Find
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Minimise the Effects of Fire
It is essential that paddlers are aware of these principles and apply them whenever they access the water.
Paddle Northern Ireland also supports the work of the NI Environment Agency in trying to stop the spread of Invasive Non-Native Species by encouraging paddlers to thoroughly check, clean and dry all paddling clothing and equipment.
Further information available at
Invasive Species Northern Ireland.