Background & Funding

The project aims to deliver on the strategic vision for Hodson Bay as outlined in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan 2020-2030 and Irelands Hidden Heartlands Regional Strategy while specific rationale & need for the project was identified with the Hudson Bay Constraints Study & preferred Options Report prepared on behalf of Roscommon County Council by SLR Consulting in 2023

Funding of €1.39m has been approved for the development of the project which is being managed by Roscommon County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland & Failte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland have approved €1.07m of funning towards the project under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme (2023-2026) under the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) 2021 – 2027 with the funding balance being provide by Roscommon County Council & Waterways Ireland.

In May 2025 Roscommon County Council appointed Civic Engineers Ltd as lead consultants on the project. Civic Engineers Ltd will manage a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to progress the project through design, environmental evaluation, economic analysis and a planning consent phases. Subject to planning approval being secured all available funding opportunities will be fully investigated by Roscommon County Council & Waterways Ireland to progress the project onwards to construction.

Project Aims & Objectives

To support & enhance existing tourism infrastructure & facilities at Hodson Bay enhancing the reputation of Hodson Bay & Roscommon as a key tourism destination on the River Shannon thereby sustaining & supporting jobs, businesses & the local communities. Increasing the profile & enhancing key attractions at Hodson Bay to encourage an increase in domestic & international tourists numbers visiting the area in a balanced & sustainable way which respects & supports the stunning natural beauty & biodiversity of the area. Delivering on the strategic vision for Hodson Bay as outlined in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan 2020-2030 and Irelands Hidden Heartlands Regional Strategy

Proposed development

The proposed development comprises four main development themes as follows:

1. Promenade Development

2. Marina Development

3. Reimagined Water Play Experience

4. Access, Parking & Transportation Strategy

Promenade Development

A key objective of this element is to enhance the visitor experience through the development of a continuous promenade along the length of the shore. Focusing on the improvement and redevelopment of Roscommon County Council’s land asset along the shoreline and providing public access to the River Shannon & creating a pedestrian priority environment.

Marina Development:

This element of the commission proposes the creation of improved facilities for boats and the development of access to the water from land and vice versa. The project will further develop, improve and extend the existing marina to be capable of hosting an increased number of berths for cruisers and visiting craft and to enhance boat servicing and commercial facilities in support of the ambition to create a major inland waterway hub at Hodson Bay

Reimagined Water Play Experience

This element of the commission proposes to re-imagine a new immersive water experience at Hodson Bay that will be sympathetic to and encompass the natural environment . A reimagined water sport building will provide facilities for on water activities such as boating and swimming with the provision of amenities including toilets, showers and a café. The landscape surrounding the new building will from a plaza space with soft landscape areas and access to the water providing a continuous waterside circulation and connection along the lake shore.

Access, Parking & Transportation Strategy

This element of the project proposes a revised access strategy for the redeveloped Hodson Bay area to promote a sustainable and inclusive use of the attractions. It is the vision to redevelop the Hodson Bay area to be as sustainable and ‘green’ as possible, to enable a safe environment for all road users and to create a potential link at Hodson Bay with the proposed new ‘Lough Ree Greenway”.

The Scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund