Proposed revisions to Shannon Navigation and Canals
bye-laws first in more than 30 years
Waterways Ireland is inviting members of the public and interested
parties to have their say on proposed revisions to the Shannon Navigation and
Canals bye-laws by making a submission to a public consultation, which is now
open.
The consultation covers the Shannon Navigation (including the
Shannon-Erne Waterway), the Royal and Grand canals, and the Barrow Navigation. It
runs until 2nd October 2023. The revisions were developed by
Waterways Ireland following research and consultation with key stakeholders.
The proposed revisions are the first since 1986 for the canals and 1994
for the Shannon. They include the
introduction of new serviced and un-serviced canal permits for houseboat
communities; additional houseboat mooring zones; in-water inspections and insurance
for boats; the introduction of an annual registration process, abolition of
lock passage fees; the requirement for life-jackets on the water and safety
equipment on boats; speed limits for bicycles and scooters on the Greenways and
Blueways; certification of vessels being used for commercial purposes, and
designated zones for tents and caravans. The revisions also include measures to
protect the environment.
Commenting, Waterways Ireland Chief Executive, John McDonagh said: “In
Ireland, we have an innate connection to our waterways. An abundance of people
choose our waterways for their leisure – that includes boaters, kayakers, anglers,
walkers or cyclists on the Greenways and Blueways. More people want to live on
our waterways and the draft bye-laws will facilitate this.
“The current bye-laws that govern the Shannon Navigation and the Canals
are 30 years old. There have been many positive changes during this time. We
have an increased awareness of health and safety, and biodiversity. In recent years we have developed many Greenways
and Blueways. The draft bye-laws reflect this progress”.
Mr McDonagh added: “Waterways Ireland is the proud custodian of more
than 1,000km of inland waterways. The proposed bye-laws will protect
biodiversity, water quality, heritage, and waterways users. They will enable
more people to enjoy our waterways. We encourage all waterways users to read
the proposed revisions and to have their say by making a submission to the
consultation.”
The public consultation documents can be accessed both online and in
hard copy. Further information on this
and on how to make a submission can be found on the Waterways Ireland website –
www.waterwaysireland.org.
In addition, Waterways Ireland will hold public meetings on the draft
bye-laws in June and July in Carrick-on-Shannon; Killaloe; Dublin; Carlow; Mullingar,
Athlone and Tullamore. Details of these meetings can be found on the Waterways
Ireland website.
The closing date for submissions to the public consultation is Monday, 2nd
October 2023.
