The first accessible centre for watersports on the island of Ireland has opened in Co Roscommon - allowing people with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to enjoy activities including angling, power boating and sailing - without restrictions.
The centre, which is funded by the Government's Just Transition Fund for the Midlands and parcel delivery company DPD Ireland, will operate from the base of the Lough Ree Access for All boat in Ballyleague.
The social enterprise is the only provider of a licenced passenger boat service for people with disability in Ireland or the UK.
The boat is designed to allow full access for wheelchair users and others onto the river Shannon through the use of a collapsing bow.
Up to this point wheelchair users could not access a boat service without being hoisted or lifted by a third party.
New facilities installed in the building include state of the art changing rooms.
The centre employs nine people and was opened by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today.
