Dublin news has a positive waterfront development to share as Ireland’s first electric wheelchair-accessible boating service launches at Dún Laoghaire Harbour. The new Boathub initiative is designed to help wheelchair users and people with disabilities enjoy trips, fishing and other activities on Dublin Bay.
Officially launched on 21 September 2026, the service centres on Grace, an electrically powered Wheelyboat V20. The vessel is described as Ireland’s first electric wheelchair-accessible boat of its kind, creating a new route into recreational boating for people who may previously have faced barriers on the water.
Inclusive boating arrives in Dún Laoghaire
Boathub will provide free, bookable harbour experiences from Dún Laoghaire Harbour, one of Ireland’s largest recreational harbours. Planned activities include harbour trips, fishing experiences and wider boating opportunities, giving participants the chance to enjoy the coastline in a supported and accessible setting.
The project reflects a broader effort to make public amenities more inclusive. Alongside improving access to maritime activities, organisers say the service can support outdoor wellbeing, social connection and participation in the local community.
- Electric wheelchair-accessible boating using the Wheelyboat V20
- Free experiences that must be booked in advance
- Harbour trips, fishing and inclusive boating activities
- Support for greater participation in Dublin’s coastal recreation
Partnership behind the project
Boathub was developed with support from Green Kite and Community Foundation Ireland. Their involvement brought together environmental responsibility, accessibility and community participation, while Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the harbour team helped deliver the service locally.
At the launch, Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Saul said the initiative would open new opportunities for people to experience the harbour and benefit from time outdoors. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Chief Executive Frank Curran described the vessel as a practical example of how innovative design can improve access to public amenities.
Green Kite also highlighted the project’s environmental benefits, noting that the electric vessel supports cleaner boating while making the water more accessible. Community Foundation Ireland said the initiative brings together inclusion, wellbeing, stronger local connections and access to Dublin Bay’s natural environment.
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What Boathub means for Dublin
The launch strengthens Dún Laoghaire Harbour’s role as a recreational and community destination. For residents and visitors with disabilities, accessible boating can provide more than a leisure activity: it offers a chance to connect with the coast, meet others and experience the harbour from a new perspective.
The service also adds to the conversation around inclusive design in Ireland. Accessible transport, buildings and public spaces are essential, but inclusive recreation is equally important. Boathub demonstrates how partnerships and practical equipment can turn that principle into a bookable local experience.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Boathub?
Boathub is an accessible boating service at Dún Laoghaire Harbour centred on an electric wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat V20.
Who is the service for?
It is intended for wheelchair users and people with disabilities who want to take part in harbour trips, fishing and other boating activities.
How can people use Boathub?
Activities are free but bookable, with further information available through the Boathub service organisers.
Boathub is a meaningful step for accessible recreation in Dublin. By combining electric technology, community support and inclusive planning, the new service helps ensure that more people can enjoy Dún Laoghaire Harbour and the wellbeing of being on the water.
