Sometimes an idea comes along that is just so good, so right, so advantageous on all counts that it is simply irresistible. This idea comes from the Americas, from the US Coast Guard. Adapted to the Irish inland waterways, and specifically to the Shannon, it could:
- help to promote industry in recession-hit rural areas
- create direct employment
- help to stimulate indirect employment
- promote Irish energy independence by reducing reliance on imported hydrocarbons
- counter pollution of water-courses
- reduce the number of heavy trucks using remote rural roads
- use environmentally-friendly water transport, by barge along the Shannon
- honour and promote the industrial heritage of Co Leitrim and the transport heritage of the Shannon
- help to defray the costs of maintaining the Shannon Navigation
- solve Dublin’s water supply problem, at least for non-potable water.
How could anybody resist?
The US Coast Guard has proposed that wastewater from fracking [PDF] should be transported by barge, rather than by truck or railway train, from the fracking sites to remote storage or treatment facilities. So, when fracking begins around Lough Allen, the wastewater could be carried down the Shannon by barge and, if necessary, pumped to Dublin.
It sounds like a winner to me.
Irish waterways history 
Is Knocknagow going into commercial trade again?
sure, why bother putting it in a barge when you can put it in the water,pump the water to dublin,let people drink the water then pay for it.two birds with the one stone and a few bob in de aul bank.win,win situation.
Hmmm, intriguing. I guess the same case could be made for the English canal network, as the current government seem to be suggesting fracking to happen all round the country. On the other hand, the thermodynamic exploitation of hell freezing over first may well also prove to be a more viable energy source :)
Going to get converted to a double-bottomed tanker. bjg
Yes: I note that environmental objectors to fracking often neglect the economic drawbacks of the activity. bjg
True, but I thought everybody in Dublin drank Perrier all the time, so I thought the Shannon water was going to be used in their jacuzzis and water-beds. Fierce luxurious lives them Dubliners lead. bjg