IWAI concerned over Barrow navigation

THE INLAND Waterways Association of Ireland has expressed concern over the possible implications for the Barrow Navigation from the Heritage Bill 2016, which is currently before the Dail.

In particular the organisation hopes the finalised Bill will enable the full potential of the overall waterway to be unlocked.

A spokesperson for the organisation said it’s concerned about the number of amendments to the Bill and highlighted its main areas of concern including what it describes as a ‘complicated legal licensing system’.

The organisation says a simpler, customer-friendly, permitting system would be more appropriate. It also says adequate provision should be made to that boats, with dimensions for which canals were built in the first place, can continue to navigate them.

The IWAI says it’s vital that the Heritage Bill 2016 preserves and enables the development of canals for future generations.

It’s also of the view that over-regulation and excessive charges will be detrimental to development.

The Barrow Navigation goes from the meeting of the ‘ three sisters’ near the Waterford Estuary all the way up through County Kildare and on towards the midlands.

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland is a voluntary body, formed in 1954, which now has 23 branches throughout all of Ireland.