Public Consultation on Draft Byelaws Phase 1

The public consultation on Draft Revisions to the Shannon Navigation Bye-laws and Grand & Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation Bye-laws was open from 9th June - 27th October 2023, and is now closed. Originally intended to be 16 weeks, the consultation was extended by a further 4 weeks to allow for additional engagement. This resulted in an additional:

• 133 days of public consultation
• 8 public meetings
• Contact with over 1,000 public representatives, stakeholders, tourism bodies, local authorities and agencies
• 933 responses 

Following the initial consultation period, Waterways Ireland reviewed all the submissions and published a Phase 1 consultation document. The bye-law changes proposed have been reviewed and a further set of amended draft bye-laws has been issued. These are now with the Ministers for decision, following which new bye-laws will be introduced. 

Summary

This consultation contained information in relation to Waterways Ireland's Draft Revisions to the Shannon Navigation Bye-laws and Grand & Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation Bye-laws. The responses to the consultation will be reviewed and a report prepared. The draft bye-laws will be finalised and sent to the Minister for approval.

Consultation Description

Phase 1 Public Consultation on Draft Revisions to the Shannon Navigation Bye-laws and Grand & Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation Bye-laws.

Waterways Ireland prepared draft changes to the Byelaws for the Shannon Navigation & Shannon-Erne Waterway, and for the Grand & Royal Canals and Barrow Navigation. The updates focused on:

• Measures to increase accessibility to and less congestion on our waterways
• Better management of the waterways through annual registration fees and permits
• Better water quality
• Health and safety for those on and off the water
• Further development of our waterways.

Consultation Description

The development of the draft bye-laws included:

• In-depth review of the current legislative environment and Waterways Ireland Long Term Plan
• Consideration of our objective to grow recreational usage of the waterways in a sustainable and responsible manner
• Current issues and challenges
• Potential future developments.

Informal consultation with key stakeholder groups and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has taken place.

Please note: there will be no changes to the existing bye-laws, permits, or charges/fees until revised bye-laws are approved.

Waterways Ireland invited interested parties to consider the draft bye-laws and make a submission. 

There were three main ways of learning about the proposed changes:

• Attending a public meeting and speaking with staff;
• Viewing the draft bye-laws in person at public libraries during their opening hours;
• Downloading and viewing the draft bye-laws, and associated documents.

Alternative Format

Documentation will be made available on request in formats such as Easy Read, Braille, audio formats, large print or minority languages to meet the needs of those for whom English is not their first language.