Waterways Ireland has appointed a new marketing and development controller.

The cross-border navigational authority for inland waterways named John Tolan to head the position.

He will play a key role in delivering the organisation's 10-year plan which was launched in late 2023, with his duties involving the sustainable development of the waterways to unlock their social, economic and environmental well-being value potential, growing participation on and alongside the waterways in recreation, tourism and volunteering, and increasing Waterways Ireland’s profile.

Some of Mr. Tolan's previous roles include working as an independent marketing consultant and working for 12 years in the drinks industry with Irish Distillers, Pernod Ricard, Diageo and Richmond Marketing.

He was the marketing director at Boyne Valley Group for five years and has also led the marketing functions at EBS (AIB Group) and QSat Broadband.

In his new role, Mr. Tolan will work with the senior management team on delivering the body’s vision of creating inland navigations and waterways experiences through conservation and sustainable development.

He said: "I am delighted to take on the role of Marketing and Development Controller with Waterways Ireland.

"Our recently launched 10-year plan lays out our ambitions to reimagine our beautiful waterways for the public good.

"Having grown up near Lough Erne I’ve always appreciated the waterways’ importance to local communities and businesses, and their attractiveness to visitors from near and far.

“Working with the wider team and all of our stakeholders and partners, we look forward to attracting more people to enjoy our waterways, while preserving and enhancing their natural, cultural and infrastructural assets for the benefit of current and future generations.”