Waterways Ireland opens consultation on draft Shannon and canal bye-laws

Waterways Ireland has announced the start of a public consultation process on proposed changes to the Shannon Navigation and Canals bye-laws.

As part of the process, a number of public meetings on the bye-laws are planned, including at the Mullingar Park Hotel (July 4); the Tullamore Court Hotel (July 5); and in Dunrovin, Coosan Point, Athlone (July 10), with each of these taking place from 6-9pm.

The consultation covers the Shannon Navigation (including the Shannon-Erne Waterway), the Royal and Grand canals, and the Barrow Navigation, and runs until October 2 next.

The proposed bye-law revisions are the first since 1986 for the canals, and the first since 1994 for the Shannon.

The bye-laws have been published online. Waterways Ireland said 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; and the introduction of an annual registration process.

They also include the 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.

"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.