Q. I recently purchased my first boat and am about to commence using the Shannon navigation. In preparing my boat I asked my mechanic to ensure that the holding tank was in good order. He tells me that many boat owners have gone back to using sea toilets as most of the pump outs are not working satisfactorily. Furthermore the sewage from the town of Carrick is emptying untreated into the river just below the town. Is this true and if so what is the point of trying to be green if thousands of boats are deliberately polluting the river oin a daily basis?

A. Under the Shannon Navigation (Construction of Vessels) (Amendment) Bye-laws, 1994 ‘ a toilet fitted to vessel shall be so constructed and fitted as to prevent polluting matter from being discharged or passing into the navigation.’ Waterways Ireland has said it will take over pumpouts from the Local Authorities on verification that they are in working order; this process has begun. Waterways Ireland has no remit in relation to Carrick sewage.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Shannon Navigation Environment

Q. Is Waterways Ireland responsible for Water Quality and Pollution?

A. Waterways Ireland is responsible for ensuring none of its activities impinge on water quality. On the Grand and Royal Canals Waterways Ireland is responsible for every aspect of their operation and management including water quality and pollution management.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Environment