New bye-laws to be agreed as Sligo County Council seek to curb irresponsible speeding power boat and jet ski users on Lough Gill
A REQUEST to update the Draft Bye-Laws of Sligo County Council which will allow SCC to control the use of jet skis and fast power boats on Lough Gill will be dealt with in March, Cllr Declan Bree has been told.
At the recent meeting of the Council, he asked when the bye-laws will be presented to the Council for consideration.
He was told by written reply that the issue is an agenda item for discussion at the next Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) 2 meeting in March of this year. An update will be provided to members thereafter.
Cllr Bree reminded members how, in October 2023, his proposal was unanimously agreed to.
“I pointed out at that meeting that in recent years, particularly with the growing interest in rowing and the development of the Sligo Rowing Club, there has been a significant increase in people using the Garavogue River for recreational purposes.
“The rowing club has over 200 members, young and old. The club facilitates Olympic style rowing and provides opportunities for senior and junior oars people to participate in the sport which is facilitated by a team of coaches. In addition, a number of years ago the club established a social rowing section open to leisure rowers.
“Apart from rowers the river and lake has consistently been used over the years by boat owners who fish or who just enjoy a day on the water.
“However, last year a small number of jet ski users and power boat operators used the river without any regard to the safety of other users.
“The turbulence and waves produced by these jet skis and powerboats created significant difficulties for rowers and for other boat users and were clearly a danger to all those who use the river.
“On a number of occasions while beginners were rowing, jet skis created waves causing water to come over the side of the boats.”
He said he felt it was important to say that power speed boats and jet skis are generally enjoyed responsibly.
“However, I think we all realise that when not used responsibly they can be a significant nuisance, and they can present a risk to other water users, and to protected wildlife.”
He said he noted that the matter of the draft bye-laws has been included on the agenda for the next meeting of Strategic Policy Committee No. 2, adding:
“I welcome this, and I would ask that the draft then be brought before the full Council at the soonest possible time so as they can go out for public consultation.
“I know all those people who use and enjoy the river and lake, and who respect other water users and wildlife, will welcome the introduction of such bye-laws.”