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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q. new to boating. Just bought a boat, a 14 foot cuddy with 20 hp engine. Living in carlow. How much is it to use this boat on the barrow and where do i pay this. I will be registering this boat, will this allow me to use this boat on other water ways i.e lakes, rivers and canals.

A. On the Barrow Navigation, Grand Canal, and Royal Canal boats must show a name or number. For travel throughout the year an annual permit can be purchased which includes mooring and lock passage charges. For shorter periods of travel boaters can purchase monthly mooring permits and pay for lock passages on an individual basis Lock Passage: €0.60 Mooring: €12.70 per month Annual Permit: €126.00 For a full list of of permit sales locations please consult the Waterways Ireland guide to to Navigating Irelands Inland Waterways. For use on the Erne, Shannon Erne and Shannon Navigation boats over 10bhp on Erne and 15bhp on others must be registered with Waterways Ireland Inspectorate. This is free of charge. Please contact the Inspectorates office in Athlone for further details +353 (0)9064 94232
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Shannon Navigation Shannon Erne Waterway Erne System Royal Canal Grand Canal Barrow Navigation Navigation Cruising

Q. How much does it cost to use the dry docks at Shannon Harbour?

A. The cost of using the dry docks at Shannon Harbour is €13.90 per day. If you require further information please contact the Lockkeeper on +353 (0) 87 245 6587.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Shannon Navigation Navigation Cruising

Q. How many miles of waterway does ireland have

A. Waterways Ireland has responsibility for: the Barrow Navigation; the Erne System; the Grand Canal; the Lower Bann Navigation; the Royal Canal; the Shannon-Erne Waterways; and the Shannon Navigation. Together they amount to approximately 1,000Km of navigable waterways. Waterways Ireland is also charged with formulating proposals for the reopening of the Ulster Canal. Steps are already being taken to reopen the canal as far as Clones.
Areas(s) : General

Q. How many main lands regions does Ireland have? Describe them. and it's size can be compared to what?

A. I regret to inform you that I do not have an answer for your question. Waterways Ireland’s remit is to manage, maintain and develop the inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes and for this reason I do not have the information you require.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Education

Q. Is my BCU licence valid in Northern Ireland for canoe touring

A. You should contact the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, Unit 2, River’s Edge, 13-15 Ravenhill Road, Belfast BT6 8DN Tel No: 08702405065 Email: office@cani.org.uk Web: www.cani.org.uk
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Activities Canoeing

Q. I have just purchased a jetski i do not need a permit where i live do i need it for other areas? where do i apply? is there a different one for each area?

A. Personal Water Craft (Jet Skis) require to be registered if used on the Erne System, registration can be completed by contacting the Inspectorate at our Enniskillen office or by downloading the Registration Form from our website. PWC’s do not need to be registered for use on the Shannon Navigation. PWC’s are not permitted on the Royal and Grand Canals or on the canal stretches of the Shannon-Erne Waterway.
Areas(s) : General Shannon Navigation Shannon Erne Waterway Erne System Royal Canal Grand Canal Powerboat Sports

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

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

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

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

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

Q. I am in the process of buying a boat moored on the Barrow. Is there a form available to transfer the annual permit that is on the boat to my name, or is this not a requirement. also, I was advised to purchase a lock key as a lock keeper may be attending another lock during the day. if this is true. how much does it cost, and where can i get one. Regards, Sean

A. A permit is issued to the owner of a vessel. The permit contains the vessel’s name and should be clearly displayed on board. There is no requirement to transfer the permit as it applies only to a particular vessel. Lock keys are available from Waterways Ireland’s Office, Dublin Tel No: +353 (0)1 8680148, Canal Depot Tullamore Tel No: +353 (0)5793 52300, the Lock Keeper at 19th Lock Tel: +353 (0)87 245 6531and 35th Lock Tel: +353 (0)87 245 6587 at a cost of €25.00.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Barrow Navigation Navigation Cruising

Q. What is the current status of works on the Royal canal and when is it due to be open to navigation to Clondra?

A. Substantial restoration works have been carried out on the Royal Canal. Currently testing and leakage repair works are ongoing. Two deepgate jetties at 43rd and 44th locks and service blocks in Mullingar and Enfield will be completed this year. Negotiations are continuing with Westmeath County Council for the provision of a water supply for the canal. It is envisaged that the Royal Canal will open to navigation in 2010.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Royal Canal

Q. Are you required by law to wear a life jacket on the lough erne system?

A. There is currently no legal requirement for users of the Lough Erne System to wear a life jacket.
Areas(s) : General Activities Erne System Safety

Q. Is the Grand Canal Harbour under the jurisdiction of waterways Ireland or the Dublin Docklands Authority?

A. The Grand Canal Harbour is under the jurisdiction of Waterways Ireland.
Areas(s) : General Grand Canal

Q. hello, just wondering how do i go about buying an old canal barge off water ways ireland,thanks david

A. If and when it is proposed to dispose of any barges in Waterways Ireland, they would be offered for sale by a publically advertised tender as is the current practice for the disposal and sale of surplus plant and equipment.
Areas(s) : General

Q. Can you ride a horse along the Grand Canal towpaths? If you can, do you need a permit?

A. Horse riding is not permitted by Waterways Ireland along the Grand Canal towpaths.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Activities Grand Canal

Q. What is the maximum specification for a motor craft length beam draft and air draft to sucesfully navigate the Shannon Barrow and canal waterways?

A. You can find the navigation dimensions in our free publication ‘Navigating Ireland’s Inland Waterways’. This publication is available for download from our website www.waterwaysireland.org or by accessing the following link http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/publications/article/64/page/ChartsandGuides
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Shannon Navigation Royal Canal Grand Canal Barrow Navigation Navigation

Q. What ae the ru;les and laws applicible to abandoned craft on the shannon navagation?

A. Craft on the Shannon Navigation are regulated in accordance with the Shannon Navigation bye-laws 1992, S.I. No 79 and 80 of 1992 refer and as amended. All vessels are required to be registered, if they are not and remain so for a period of time they are removed by Waterways Ireland. Following removal, the vessel owner is sought through public notice and if no owner is forthcoming the vessel is auctioned at public auction. Dates for such auctions appear on the Waterways Ireland website www.waterwaysireland.org and happen about once a year. Open boats with engines of less than 15hp do not require to be registered but if they remain at a public harbour without being moved within the “5 Day Rule”, they are subsequently removed by Waterways ireland and the same procedure followed as for vessels. Apparent abandoned boats and vessels cannot be interfered with or taken by members of the public. This has resulted in legal action being taken against such action in the past.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Shannon Navigation Navigation

Q. I have recently purchased a 2nd hand boat. How do I go about registering the boat?

A. Registration is free and can be completed by downloading the Registration Form from our website http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/article/page/BoatRegistration and return it to the Inspectorate.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Shannon Navigation Shannon Erne Waterway Erne System Royal Canal Grand Canal Barrow Navigation Navigation Cruising

Q. Hi, we have just purchased a speed boat and wondered if we needed to either register this with yourselves or require a licence to use this boat in N Ireland. It will predominantly be used in Cavan and surrounding areas.

A. All boats with an engine capacity of more than 10bhp on the Erne System and 15bhp on the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Shannon Navigation must be registered with the Waterways Ireland Inspectorate. Registration is free of charge and can be completed by contacting the Inspectorate Office closest to you, or by downloading the Registration Form from our website (I have provided the link below). You will be provided with a registration number which must be displayed on a prominent position on your boat. Boats registered on the Erne System, the Shannon Navigation or the Shannon-Erne Waterway do not need to re-register when moving to another waterway. Please find the link for the Registration Form on our website below: http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/article/page/BoatRegistration
Areas(s) : General Shannon Navigation Shannon Erne Waterway Erne System Navigation

Q. How can I make a complaint to/about Waterways Ireland

A. Waterways Ireland endeavours to answer complaints quickly and politely at point of contact. Verbal or informal complaints can be made at the point of contact with Waterways Ireland or by contacting the nearest Waterways Ireland Office (see website contacts page), explaining your complaint and asking to speak to the relevant person. Customers who feel that their informal or verbal complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily can contact the Customer Services Co-ordinator (Tel no +353 71 96 50560 or email info@waterwaysireland.org inserting ‘informal customer complaint’ in the subject line) who will attempt to resolve the situation. In the event that the customer is unsatisfied, a formal complaints procedure exists within Waterways Ireland and is implemented as follows: • The Formal Complaints Procedure deals with a written complaint where the complainant identifies the issue and provides a name and contact details so that a formal reply may be issued; • Persons wishing to make a formal complaint to/about Waterways Ireland are invited to do so in writing. The complaint should be submitted to the Customer Services Coordinator at the following address: Waterways Ireland, Somerview House, Old Dublin Road, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Emails should be sent marked for the attention of the Customer Services Coordinator to info@waterwaysireland.org with ‘Formal Complaint’ inserted in the subject line; • The Customer Services Coordinator will register the complaint and acknowledge receipt in writing within 20 working days; • All complaints will be treated in confidence and in a fair and impartial manner; • A full response to complaints will be issued no later than 20 working days after receipt of a complaint; • Where it is not possible to meet this target for completion, the Customer Services Coordinator will issue interim letters, updating the complainant on progress; • Where a complaint is upheld an apology will be issued and the Customer Services Co-ordinator will have flexibility to offer an appropriate form of redress or remedy; • A complainant who remains dissatisfied will be advised of his/her right to refer the case to the Chief Executive, where appropriate.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Q. Who do I contact in Waterways Ireland about accessibility?

A. Waterways Ireland’s Access Officers liaise with customers regarding all issues of accessibility and can be contacted by writing to the Access Co-ordinator, Beverly Hassard at the address below. If you wish to make a complaint about accessibilty, contact the Inquiry Officer, Anne Shine by writing to Waterways Ireland, Strategy & Policy Division, 2 Sligo Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh BT74 7JY; by telephone at +44 (0)28 6632 3004 or email info@waterwaysireland.org
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Q. I recently bought house in Co. Leitrim and have land at the shore of Lough Allen, I was wondering if I need planning permission to build a jetty or pontoon?? and if so from whom the county council or waterways Ireland? Thanks

A. You should apply to the local County Council in the first instance. You also need to fill out an application for a marina development which can be downloaded from our website http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/article/page/Marina You will find all the information required by us in order to grant a lease of our land, together with notes explaining how the process works.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Shannon Navigation

Q. Hello,I have just bought my first boat and am wondering about mooring in the killaloe,ballina area.

A. Waterways Ireland recently installed 100m of floating moorings on the Ballina side immediately downstream of Killaloe Bridge. At the moment access to land awaits completion of the service block by a third party. On the Killaloe side, the quay downstream of the Bridge has 65m of mooring; Waterways Ireland are currently part way through a scheme adjacent to the canal which will eventually provide about 700m of mooring (250m floating and 450m fixed); this is expected to be completed in time for next season.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Shannon Navigation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q. What does Waterways Ireland do?

A. Waterways Ireland has responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes. The waterways under the remit of the body are the Barrow Navigation, the Erne System, the Grand Canal, the Lower Bann, the Royal Canal, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Shannon Navigation.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Q. Does Waterways Ireland charter boats?

A. Waterways Ireland does not charter boats, but does provide information on all the companies operating charter boats on the Barrow Navigation, the Erne System, the Grand Canal, the Lower Bann, the Royal Canal, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Shannon Navigation.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Cruising

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

Q. Are Waterways Ireland and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland the same organisation?

A. The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland is a membership organisation for boat owners with craft on the inland waterways. They organise membership activity, lobby and communicate with Waterways Ireland about Waterways Ireland remit and activity. Waterways Ireland has a statutory remit to manage, maintain, develop and restore the inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Q. What are Waterways Ireland’s main activities

A. Waterways Ireland has a large property portfolio which requires management and maintenance, both buildings along the canals for example and the canals themselves, as well as existing harbours, jetties and facilities. Waterways Ireland is also responsible for carrying out new development on existing property; building new bridges, restoring the Royal Canal, building new jetties, harbours and marinas to make the waterways more accessible. Waterways Ireland also encourages more people to use the waterways by increasing awareness of the activities, events, places to visit and eat along the navigations. Waterways Ireland encourages community participation in waterway activity by sponsoring community waterside events.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Q. How many people work for Waterways Ireland

A. Waterways Ireland can employ up to 381 people mainly working the Operations Division undertaking the maintenance and development of the waterways.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General

Q. Do boat owners have to register their boats with Waterways Ireland.

A. On the Erne System boats with an engine of more than 10bhp must be registered. On the Shannon Navigation boats with engines of more than 15bhp must be registered. On the Barrow Navigation, Grand Canal and Royal Canal, boats require a valid permit to enter and moor. Information on registration can be obtained from the Inspector of Navigation and Wardens offices
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Navigation

Q. Do I need a license to hire a boat on Ireland’s Inland Waterways

A. No, a brief training session in boat handling will be provided by the charter company, covering boat safety, management, operation of all the equipment and a trial run.
Areas(s) : General Activities Cruising

Q. What currencies do I need to bring for my trip?

A. The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro and in Northern Ireland is Sterling, however Euro’s are accepted in many shops in Northern Ireland.
Areas(s) : General