Waterways Ireland ePortal

Frequently Asked Questions

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Questions

Is there any law on the erne system for the mooring of a boat on its own mooring is a sheltered area of the erne system
Hi have jus moved to Sallins and was wondering if I can take a dingy out on the Grand Canal and would I need some kind of licence of it, Thanks.
i am in the process of purchasing a house just of boe island on lower lough erne and would like to build a private jetty there, who do i need to get permission from?
Is it possible to obtain a copy of the register showing the owners of boats on the Erne? Can details of the owner of an individual boat be obtained?
i am thinking about buying a crusier for the shannon and would like to know where i can find information on permenant safe moorings in the letrim (carrik on shannon) or belterbut areas but i can not find any information on what annual charges are. Any information or help in where to look would be great
IS ONE SAFE AFTER DARK IN YOUR BOAT FROM HARM BREAK INS OR ATTACK
I am thinking of buying a boat in England and bringing it back to Ireland. Would I have to pay tax on the boat (like you do with a car) and if so, do you know what percentage it would be?
What are the navigational criteria (beam, draft, etc.) for the river Liffey to steer from Dublin to Lucan or Celbridge?
How many miles of Inland water ways does Ireland have?
Is it possible to have a permanent mooring on the canals which could be serviced?
Hello,What is the water quality like on the Grand Canal these days? More specifically, is it safe to swim in? I'm talking about the downtown portions particularly, at say the bridge at Mount Street Lower, or at the Barge pub. I often thought it would be really good to switm there, but am uncertain about the quality of the water, level of pollution etc. Thanks for any information you can provide.Stephen Kenny
I have recently purchased a boat which has a VHF radio fitted. I thought I read somewhere, but cannot remember where, that if such equipment is fitted, at least one person has to complete some kind of course of competence in how to operate same. Can you confirm if that is the case and, if so, how do I go anout obtaining the relevant qualification? It would be worth it alone just to find out how it is supposed to be operated. Thanks
I need to find out about mooring facilities in Athlone for my Father's boat which is a 35 footer and he wants to berth it in Athlone. What companies can I contact about this?
Is there a sat navigation map available for the shannon / erne waterway
I'd like to bring my Dutch barge over from England in May and put her on the Grand Canal. My problem is that she's 62' x11' and the locks on the Grand and the Barrow are given as (variously) 60'-61'6". I've had conflicting views from diverse Irish sources about whether she'll be too long or not and I realise that I must ascertain these dimensions myself by coming over with my tape measure. Having said that it would be really good if I could obtain some hard information first from someone who has taken a boat of this length through these locks. Thanks John Wilkinson.
I want to get married on The Shannon and rent some boats and get married along the way and hopefully have a marquee in a farmers field. What is the best way to research this. I am living in the UK but am Irish.
What are the waterways that drain the civil parish of Ballyfeard into Ringabella Bay? What is the waterway between the townlands of Kilboy and Ballynoe? Thank you for your response to this request.
Where would I find places to charter boats?
My father in law would like to know where you advertise your job vacancies to help maintain the waterways?
My son is 13 and has expressed an interest in fresh water fishing. Sadly I know nothing about the subject - and would like advice in where to go and who to contact for lessons please. We live in Holywood COunty Down. Many Thanks
Hello we want to go canoeing in Northern Ireland. Can you tell me where I find someone from whom we could hire canoes. Thank you
Is there anywhere between Muckross and Enniskillen for refuelling jet skis. If so wat are there opening times?
where can I get information on the cost of boat rental?
I live in Dublin and was wondering where could i take a powerboat licence level 1 course?
Is there a designated area on the Shannon for either jetskis or waterskiers?
Do I need an annual permit to put a 14" "indian" canoe (no engine) on the Barrow at Graiguenamanagh from time to time e.g. very occasional use only put on the water and taken off immediately afterwards? Also in respect of the Barrow what is the position in relation to a 16" aluminium boat with 6 h.p. engine used for angling? Do I need a permit to put it on from day-to-day (not necessarily moored overnight or for any length of time)? Does either craft require to be registered or to display registration details while in use? Thank you.
On going up the River Finn 2 weeks ago in my boat (an Orkney 440) from the Quivvy Waters I noted that Wattle Bridge appeared to have been reconstructed and that there was no longer a limit of navigation sign at the bridge. Is the river now navigable beyond the bridge?
Do you need a license to use a jet ski?
I'm an italian boy and I want to spend my holiday in Ireland. I want to know if there's a ferry boat service between Killaloe and Portumna on Lake Derg. If it there's where I can find timetables of this ferry boat? Thank you for the information.
Hi Can I buy charts for Irish Waterways on-line? I spoke to someone about this at London Boatshow Thanks Lee
How far is it possible to walk along the Grand Canal from Sallins into Dublin City?
Are there any Motor Boat Schools on the Shannon where I can learn to drive before I buy my first boat?
What is Waterways Ireland?
What does Waterways Ireland do?
Does Waterways Ireland charter boats?
Is Waterways Ireland responsible for Water Quality and Pollution?
Are Waterways Ireland and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland the same organisation?
What are Waterways Ireland’s main activities
How many people work for Waterways Ireland
Do boat owners have to register their boats with Waterways Ireland.
Do I need a license to hire a boat on Ireland’s Inland Waterways
What currencies do I need to bring for my trip?

Q. Is there any law on the erne system for the mooring of a boat on its own mooring is a sheltered area of the erne system

A. You should contact the Lough Erne Warden for initial advice as to suitability, etc - tel: +44 (0) 28 66322836 and also Rivers Agency who administer the bed and soil and accreted foreshore of the Erne (the Erne Estate) for DANI - Tel: +44 (0) 28 66388529.
Areas(s) : General Erne System

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 02 Mon Jul 2007 Asked - 10 Sun Jun 2007

Submitted : 10 Sun Jun 2007

Q. Hi have jus moved to Sallins and was wondering if I can take a dingy out on the Grand Canal and would I need some kind of licence of it, Thanks.

A. In cases like this Waterways Ireland would not require a permit to be taken out but would request that the owner sign the standard indemnity (a section on the permit application form). In the event of an incident at least we have contact details and an indemnity has been signed.
Areas(s) : General Grand Canal Navigation Cruising Canoeing Powerboat Sports

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 02 Mon Jul 2007 Asked - 15 Fri Jun 2007

Submitted : 15 Fri Jun 2007

Q. i am in the process of purchasing a house just of boe island on lower lough erne and would like to build a private jetty there, who do i need to get permission from?

A. You should consult with: 1. Waterways Ireland – Erne Operations office is at 5/7 Belmore St, Enniskillen BT74 6AA. Tel: +44 (0)28 6634 6295; 2. Rivers Agency who manage the Erne Estate (bed, soil and accreted foreshore of the lakes) for the Department of Agriculture (NI). Tel: +44 (0)28 6638 8529; and 3. Planning Service. Tel: +44 (0)28 6634 6555
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Erne System

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 04 Wed Jul 2007 Asked - 01 Sun Jul 2007

Submitted : 01 Sun Jul 2007

Q. Is it possible to obtain a copy of the register showing the owners of boats on the Erne? Can details of the owner of an individual boat be obtained?

A. Any personal data held on the Registers of Vessels cannot be released to the public under the Data Protection Acts.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 17 Tue Jul 2007 Asked - 09 Mon Jul 2007

Submitted : 09 Mon Jul 2007

Q. i am thinking about buying a crusier for the shannon and would like to know where i can find information on permenant safe moorings in the letrim (carrik on shannon) or belterbut areas but i can not find any information on what annual charges are. Any information or help in where to look would be great

A. Private moorings in the Carrick-on-Shannon area are: Butler's Marina, Carrick-on-Shannon. Tel: +353 (0)1 6610036 or +353 (0)86 2556603. Web: http://www.butlersmarina.com/web/ Albert Marina, Jamestown. Tel: +353 (0)71 9634415 or +353 (0)87 7859148. Private moorings in the Belturbet area are: Quivvy Marina, Belturbet. Tel: +353 (0)49 952 2891 or +353 (0)86 819 6753. Web: http://www.quivvy.com/ The local tourist offices may also have a listing of private marinas in those areas. You should contact the individual companies regarding charges as they may vary from one marina to another.
Areas(s) : General Activities Shannon Navigation Erne System Cruising

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 24 Tue Jul 2007 Asked - 20 Fri Jul 2007

Submitted : 20 Fri Jul 2007

Q. IS ONE SAFE AFTER DARK IN YOUR BOAT FROM HARM BREAK INS OR ATTACK

A. The Inspectorate is unaware of any incidents of the type alluded to happening on any of the navigations. However, it is always prudent to observe normal security practices, as when you park your car in a car park or on the side of the street, such as locking all openings when leaving for a period of time, securing all valuables out of sight so that persons are not attracted by high value or attractive goods, and berthing in a well lit area.
Areas(s) : General Cruising

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 13 Mon Aug 2007 Asked - 08 Wed Aug 2007

Submitted : 08 Wed Aug 2007

Q. I am thinking of buying a boat in England and bringing it back to Ireland. Would I have to pay tax on the boat (like you do with a car) and if so, do you know what percentage it would be?

A. Matters relating to taxes or duties to be paid on vessels imported to the Republic of Ireland are dealt with by the Revenue Commissioners. Visit www.revenue.ie for further information.
Areas(s) : General

Answered By - Aideen Martin -- aideen.martin@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 17 Mon Sep 2007 Asked - 23 Thu Aug 2007

Submitted : 23 Thu Aug 2007

Q. What are the navigational criteria (beam, draft, etc.) for the river Liffey to steer from Dublin to Lucan or Celbridge?

A. The River Liffey is not under the remit of Waterways Ireland. Waterways Ireland is responsible for the the management, maintainance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterways systems throughout Ireland principally for recreational purposes. The waterways under the remit of Waterways Ireland are the Lower Bann Navigation, The Erne System, Shannon-Erne Waterway, Shannon Navigation, Barrow Navigation, The Grand Canal and the Royal Canal. Dublin City Council should be able to help you with your query. +353 (0)1 222 2222
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Other Waterways

Answered By - Emer Powell -- emer.powell@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 05 Wed Mar 2008 Asked - 04 Tue Mar 2008

Submitted : 04 Tue Mar 2008

Q. How many miles of Inland water ways does Ireland have?

A. Waterways Ireland is the navigation authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of Irelands inland navigable waterways. Waterways Ireland has responsibility for The Barrow Navigation, The Erne System, The Grand Canal, The Lower Bann Navigation, The Royal Canal, The Shannon-Erne Waterway, The Shannon Navigation These amount to approximately 1000km of navigable waterways
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Answered By - Emer Powell -- emer.powell@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 03 Thu Apr 2008 Asked - 02 Wed Apr 2008

Submitted : 02 Wed Apr 2008

Q. Is it possible to have a permanent mooring on the canals which could be serviced?

A. At present, under current bye-laws, there is no possibility of having a permanent serviced berth on the Canal system. Berths are on a first come first served basis. We do not provide any services at any berths nor do we permit unauthorised ESB, water or telephone connections. All vessels availing of berths on the Canals are required to purchase and display a valid permit.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Royal Canal Grand Canal Cruising

Answered By - Emer Powell -- emer.powell@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 16 Wed Apr 2008 Asked - 10 Thu Apr 2008

Submitted : 10 Thu Apr 2008

Q. Hello,What is the water quality like on the Grand Canal these days? More specifically, is it safe to swim in? I'm talking about the downtown portions particularly, at say the bridge at Mount Street Lower, or at the Barge pub. I often thought it would be really good to switm there, but am uncertain about the quality of the water, level of pollution etc. Thanks for any information you can provide.Stephen Kenny

A. The water quality of the Grand Canal is continuously monitored by the Central Fisheries Board on behalf of Waterways Ireland. Water quality in the Grand Canal is generally of a very high quality as confirmed by the Central Fisheries Board. The Grand Canal is fed by a number of sources of very high water quality and every effort is made to ensure these high quality water sources are maintained. It is important to note that the canal system is not a designated Bathing Area and therefore the water quality testing carried out is not specific to the requirements of the Bathing Water regulations. In addition, under Section 38 of the Canals Act, 1986 (Bye-laws), 1988: “No person shall (a) bathe or swim in any lock, Harbour or dock on the canals, except with the permission of the Commissioners;”
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Activities Grand Canal Safety

Answered By - Emer Powell -- emer.powell@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 23 Mon Jun 2008 Asked - 12 Thu Jun 2008

Submitted : 12 Thu Jun 2008

Q. I have recently purchased a boat which has a VHF radio fitted. I thought I read somewhere, but cannot remember where, that if such equipment is fitted, at least one person has to complete some kind of course of competence in how to operate same. Can you confirm if that is the case and, if so, how do I go anout obtaining the relevant qualification? It would be worth it alone just to find out how it is supposed to be operated. Thanks

A. Both a vessel and operator's licence is required. Information may be obtained from the Marine Radio Unit of the Dept of Transport, Dublin The Marine Survey Office deals with the inspection, survey, certification and licensing of vessels and vessels radio equipment; the examination and certification of seafarers competencies; enforcement of standards by way of audits on organisation and facilities and prosecutions for breaches of regulations. Phone: 01 678 3400. www.transport.ie
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Navigation Education Other Waterways

Answered By - Emer Powell -- emer.powell@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 23 Wed Jul 2008 Asked - 30 Mon Jun 2008

Submitted : 30 Mon Jun 2008

Q. I need to find out about mooring facilities in Athlone for my Father's boat which is a 35 footer and he wants to berth it in Athlone. What companies can I contact about this?

A. Visit www.westmeathtourism.com and click on Shannon Cruising. Here, you will find a list of Marina facilities in the Athlone area.
Areas(s) : General Shannon Navigation

Answered By - Aideen Martin -- aideen.martin@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 15 Mon Jan 2007 Asked - 11 Thu Jan 2007

Submitted : 11 Thu Jan 2007

Q. Is there a sat navigation map available for the shannon / erne waterway

A. Navionics have produced a sat navigation map for the Shannon Erne Waterway. You can get further information from Navionics UK by emailing sales@navionics.co.uk or by telephone - 0044 1752204735.
Areas(s) : General Shannon Erne Waterway Navigation

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 29 Mon Jan 2007 Asked - 23 Tue Jan 2007

Submitted : 23 Tue Jan 2007

Q. I'd like to bring my Dutch barge over from England in May and put her on the Grand Canal. My problem is that she's 62' x11' and the locks on the Grand and the Barrow are given as (variously) 60'-61'6". I've had conflicting views from diverse Irish sources about whether she'll be too long or not and I realise that I must ascertain these dimensions myself by coming over with my tape measure. Having said that it would be really good if I could obtain some hard information first from someone who has taken a boat of this length through these locks. Thanks John Wilkinson.

A. The maximum permitted dimensions for craft operating on the Grand Canal are: Length: 61 Feet (18.5m) Beam: 13 Feet (3.90m) Draft: 4 Feet (1.20m) Air Draft: 9 Feet (2.75m) except in Ringsend Basin with a restriction of 8 Feet 4 Inches (Mac Mahon Bridge) Waterways Ireland would not issue a permit for a vessel of this size. However we would suggest that if the vessel is being transported over then it could be dropped into the Shannon and the Shannon used as a base instead.
Areas(s) : General Grand Canal Barrow Navigation Navigation Cruising

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 07 Wed Feb 2007 Asked - 26 Fri Jan 2007

Submitted : 26 Fri Jan 2007

Q. I want to get married on The Shannon and rent some boats and get married along the way and hopefully have a marquee in a farmers field. What is the best way to research this. I am living in the UK but am Irish.

A. There is a listing of boat hire companies that operate on the inland navigable waters of Ireland on our website at http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/article/page/BoatHireCompanie With regards to hiring a marquee and finding a location I suggest you try a website such as Irish Weddings Online - http://www.irishweddings.ie/ which has links to Marquee Hire companies, Wedding Co-ordinators, etc.
Areas(s) : General Shannon Navigation

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 16 Wed May 2007 Asked - 30 Mon Apr 2007

Submitted : 30 Mon Apr 2007

Q. What are the waterways that drain the civil parish of Ballyfeard into Ringabella Bay? What is the waterway between the townlands of Kilboy and Ballynoe? Thank you for your response to this request.

A. Waterways Ireland is the navigation authority with responsibilty for the inland navigable waters of Ireland, namely the Shannon Erne Waterway, the Erne System, the Lower Bann Navigation, the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal, the Barrow Navigation and the Shannon Navigation. You should contact Cork County Council, tel: 00 353 (0) 21 4276891; web: http://www.corkcoco.ie or the OPW, tel: 00 353 (0)1 6476000; web: http://www.opw.ie/ who may be able to help you.
Areas(s) : General Other Waterways

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 16 Wed May 2007 Asked - 06 Sun May 2007

Submitted : 06 Sun May 2007

Q. Where would I find places to charter boats?

A. The Waterways Ireland website contains information from where you can charter Boats. You will find these details under Tourist Information or simply visit http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/article/page/BoatHireCompanie
Areas(s) : General Activities Cruising

Answered By - Aideen Martin -- aideen.martin@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 17 Wed Jan 2007 Asked - 09 Tue Jan 2007

Submitted : 09 Tue Jan 2007

Q. My father in law would like to know where you advertise your job vacancies to help maintain the waterways?

A. All our external vacancies are advertised in the local / national press and also on the Waterways Ireland website.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Answered By - Aideen Martin -- aideen.martin@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 29 Tue Aug 2006 Asked - 29 Tue Aug 2006

Submitted : 29 Tue Aug 2006

Q. My son is 13 and has expressed an interest in fresh water fishing. Sadly I know nothing about the subject - and would like advice in where to go and who to contact for lessons please. We live in Holywood COunty Down. Many Thanks

A. The Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation, 29 Georgian Villas, Omagh, Co Tyrone BT79 OAT. Tel no +44 (0)28 8222 5202, Email: vrefausse@omagh.ac.uk may be able to advise you on local courses in your area. Bann System Ltd, Cutts House, 54 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, Co Londonderry BT51 3RL. Tel no +44 (0)28 7034 4796, Fax no +44 (0)28 7035 6527, Web: www.bannsystem.com and Northern Regional Fisheries Board, Station Road, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal should also have useful information for you. Tel no +353 (0)71 9851435, Fax no +353 (0)71 9851816, Email: info@nrfb.ie Web: www.nrfb.ie
Areas(s) : General Activities Lower Bann Navigation Erne System Angling

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 25 Fri Aug 2006 Asked - 23 Wed Aug 2006

Submitted : 23 Wed Aug 2006

Q. Hello we want to go canoeing in Northern Ireland. Can you tell me where I find someone from whom we could hire canoes. Thank you

A. If you go to http://www.landwaterair.co.uk/dsp_SearchResults.cfm/ACTIVITIES_KEY/20/Canoeing.htm you will find lots of information on and contacts for canoeing in Northern Ireland including the following: The Ark Activity Centre, Castle Island, Enniskillen. Tel no +44 (0)6632 4250, Email: info@arkoutdoor.com; Share Holiday Village, Smith’s Strand, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Tel no +44 (0)28 6772 2122, Email: celia@sharevillage.org Web: www.sharevillage.org; Canoe Trails, Countryside Access and Activities Network, The Stableyard, Barnett’s Demesne, Belfast BT9 5PB. Tel no +44 (0)28 9030 3930, Email: info@countrysiderecreation.com Web: www.countrysiderecreation.com; and Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, Western Region, John O Neill, Roscor, Belleek, Co Fermanagh. Tel no +44 (0)79 68623384.
Areas(s) : General Activities Lower Bann Navigation Erne System Canoeing

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 25 Fri Aug 2006 Asked - 22 Tue Aug 2006

Submitted : 22 Tue Aug 2006

Q. Is there anywhere between Muckross and Enniskillen for refuelling jet skis. If so wat are there opening times?

A. On Lower Lough Erne diesel can be purchased at Muckross, Kesh, Aghinver Boat Company, Castle Archdale and the Manor House Marine. On the Upper Lough diesel is available at Carrybridge and Erne Marine, Bellanaleck. It is advisable to contact the retailer directly regarding their opening times. Petrol is not available on Lough Erne. You would need to bring it from a nearby garage.
Areas(s) : General Activities Erne System Powerboat Sports

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 25 Fri Aug 2006 Asked - 17 Thu Aug 2006

Submitted : 17 Thu Aug 2006

Q. where can I get information on the cost of boat rental?

A. The websites boatholidaysireland.com and goboatingireland.com give information on and links to the different boat hire companies that operate on the waterways in Ireland.
Areas(s) : General Activities Cruising

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 25 Fri Aug 2006 Asked - 14 Mon Aug 2006

Submitted : 14 Mon Aug 2006

Q. I live in Dublin and was wondering where could i take a powerboat licence level 1 course?

A. Both DMG Sailsports, Malahide Marina Centre, Co. Dublin, Ireland, Tel: +353 1 8456946, email: info@dmgsailsports.com and Dun Laoghaire Powerboat School, West Pier, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Co. Dublin, Tel: +353 1 2804422, e-mail: info@powerboatschool.ie run a powerboat licence level 1 course.
Areas(s) : General Activities Powerboat Sports

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 25 Fri Aug 2006 Asked - 13 Sun Aug 2006

Submitted : 13 Sun Aug 2006

Q. Is there a designated area on the Shannon for either jetskis or waterskiers?

A. There are no designated areas on the Shannon Navigation for jetskis or waterskiers.
Areas(s) : General Shannon Navigation Powerboat Sports

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 04 Mon Sep 2006 Asked - 10 Thu Aug 2006

Submitted : 10 Thu Aug 2006

Q. Do I need an annual permit to put a 14" "indian" canoe (no engine) on the Barrow at Graiguenamanagh from time to time e.g. very occasional use only put on the water and taken off immediately afterwards? Also in respect of the Barrow what is the position in relation to a 16" aluminium boat with 6 h.p. engine used for angling? Do I need a permit to put it on from day-to-day (not necessarily moored overnight or for any length of time)? Does either craft require to be registered or to display registration details while in use? Thank you.

A. With regards to the 14" "indian" canoe (no engine), if the canoe is to be used on the navigation we would request that the owner sign an indemnity clause. This is appended to the permit application. While we would not require a permit for the canoe the indemnity will cover any incidents that may occur. With regards to the 16" aluminium boat with 6 h.p. engine, used for angling, a special “anglers permit” is available from Jim Butler, Lock Keepter at St. Mullins. This will cost €19 for the year and will cover all lock passages for the angling boat. With regards to displaying registration details on either of the above, there is no vessel registration on the Barrow Navigation system. As it is not planned to leave either vessel in the water for extended periods there is no requirement to display “registration” or “permit details” but the angler should carry a copy of such permit in the event he is passing through locks where he may not be known.
Areas(s) : General Activities Barrow Navigation Navigation Canoeing

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 11 Mon Sep 2006 Asked - 08 Tue Aug 2006

Submitted : 08 Tue Aug 2006

Q. On going up the River Finn 2 weeks ago in my boat (an Orkney 440) from the Quivvy Waters I noted that Wattle Bridge appeared to have been reconstructed and that there was no longer a limit of navigation sign at the bridge. Is the river now navigable beyond the bridge?

A. The River Finn is not part of the Erne Navigation and is not navigable for cruisers.
Areas(s) : General Other Waterways

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 25 Fri Aug 2006 Asked - 19 Wed Jul 2006

Submitted : 19 Wed Jul 2006

Q. Do you need a license to use a jet ski?

A. No, but you must be over 16 yrs of age in the Republic of Ireland and if operating on the Erne System you will need to register with the Inspectorate through the Lough Erne Warden’s office.
Areas(s) : General Activities Powerboat Sports

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 16 Fri Jun 2006 Asked - 15 Mon May 2006

Submitted : 15 Mon May 2006

Q. I'm an italian boy and I want to spend my holiday in Ireland. I want to know if there's a ferry boat service between Killaloe and Portumna on Lake Derg. If it there's where I can find timetables of this ferry boat? Thank you for the information.

A. While there is no ferry service on Lough Derg, there are a couple of companies who provide day trips on the Lake. These are: 1) The Spirit of Killaloe, Killaloe, Co Clare, email: whelans@killaloe.ie for further details; and 2) Ku-ee-tu Cruise, Shannon Sailing Ltd, New Complex, Dromineer, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, tel: +353 (0)67 24499 or email: shannonsailing@eircom.net for further details.
Areas(s) : General Activities Shannon Navigation

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 23 Thu Mar 2006 Asked - 22 Wed Mar 2006

Submitted : 22 Wed Mar 2006

Q. Hi Can I buy charts for Irish Waterways on-line? I spoke to someone about this at London Boatshow Thanks Lee

A. At the moment you can download our publications list and order form from the website at http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/article/page/PublicationsandCharts" title="Publications and Charts">Publications and Charts You can then use this form to order Navigation Charts or any of the other listed publications.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 21 Tue Feb 2006 Asked - 13 Mon Feb 2006

Submitted : 13 Mon Feb 2006

Q. How far is it possible to walk along the Grand Canal from Sallins into Dublin City?

A. The towpath of the Grand Canal is open all the way from Dublin City to Shannon Harbour in County Offaly, and from Lowtown (the summit level in County Kildare) to Athy along the Barrow Line. The maps in the Guide to the Grand Canal show which bank the walker should be on for each stretch of the walk – Maps 1 to 4 cover the walk from Sallins back in to Dublin City.
Areas(s) : General Activities Grand Canal Walking

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 16 Fri Jun 2006 Asked - 02 Thu Feb 2006

Submitted : 02 Thu Feb 2006

Q. Are there any Motor Boat Schools on the Shannon where I can learn to drive before I buy my first boat?

A. The Lough Ree Power Boat School, Hodson Bay, Athlone, Co Roscommon. Tel: 1890 70 40 90, +353 (0)49 9529750; Email: courses@powerboat.org; Web: www.powerboat.ie Lough Derg Powerboat School, Sallybay House, Derry Demesne, Ballina/Killaloe, Co Clare. Tel: +353 (0) 61 375474; Mobile: (0) 87 6100577; Email: denis@boatschool.ie; Web: www.boatschool.ie
Areas(s) : General Shannon Navigation Navigation Cruising Powerboat Sports

Answered By - Ann Marie Kelly -- annmarie.kelly@waterwaysireland.org
Answered - 13 Mon Feb 2006 Asked - 14 Sat Jan 2006

Submitted : 14 Sat Jan 2006

Q. What is Waterways Ireland?

A. Waterways Ireland is a North South Body set up under the British Irish Agreement 1999.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General