Waterways Ireland launches digital archive

摘要

Waterways Ireland has launched a digital archive, making much of the history of the Emerald Isle's canal and river system available online. Over 70% of the organisation's estimated 11,000 historical records can now be seen at archive. waterwaysireland.org. They include drawings, maps, slides, photos, videos and oral history. The backbone of the archive is the engineering collection. It contains original drawings tracing the development of the waterways, from their conception in the 18th century through to the modern era. Included are plans for locks, sluices, bridges and harbours. Waterways Ireland chief executive John McDonagh said that digitisation would help ensure that authentic and appropriate maintenance takes place in the future. The website also includes three collections from individuals. Ruth Delany and Ian Bath personally donated their collections of original slides, documenting campaigns to keep the waterways open.