OPENING UP the Barrow navigation to its full potential could create 130 new jobs and generate around €11.7m for the local economy, a major new study has revealed.

The report, by the U.K. based company, URS, was commissioned by Kilkenny Leader Partnership, Carlow Co. Development Partnership Ltd., and the JFK Trust.

The report was formally launched last week in the Dunbrody Visitor Centre in New Ross.

While the cost of opening up the river’s navigation could run into millions of Euro the report estimates that such development would increase expenditure generated by the river by €1.65m per year. The overall increase would amount to around €11.7m over a 10-year period.

The report also stated that such revenue would generate around 131 new jobs based on an average figure of €35,000 per job.

Significantly, the study says two of the most expensive aspects to the proposed improvement works would need to be carried out at Carlow and St. Mullins at a combined cost of €9.525m. However, that expenditure would be recouped and exceeded within 10 years.

“The design of infrastructure changes at St. Mullins may also have additional benefits in terms of reducing flooding to dwellings and businesses in St. Mullins,” said URS in its report.

The company also allowed for the cost of maintaining the infrastructure, a dredging programme, and managing the additional lock at St. Mullins being absorbed into Waterways Ireland’s annual budget.

At the launch of the report the CEO of Kilkenny Leadership Programme, Declan Rice, said the Barrow is an undeveloped asset.

““There are sites along the river that you would not find the likes of anywhere in the country,” he said.

With regard to the report he said it amounted to “a holistic analysis” of unlocking the potential of the river.

(For full story see the current print edition of The Echo)