Revised draft bylaws still dividing waterway groups and users
WATERWAYS Ireland (WI) released the updated and revised drafts of proposed bylaws on Monday, January 15.
These cover the Shannon Navigation, the Royal and Grand Canals and the Barrow. It also released a comprehensive consultation report.
President of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI), Kay Baxter, stated: “IWAI Executive are pleased to note that almost all of the red line issues raised by us on behalf of our members have been addressed and amended in a positive fashion.”
These are listed below.
Shannon draft bylaws:
• Retention of winter mooring on the Shannon Navigation at a fee of €300, in designated harbours with services retained for the winter period.
• Retention of the five-day rule in all harbours on the Shannon Navigation.
• Introduction of a 60-day visitor’s pass to the Shannon Navigation at a cost of €40, to facilitate boats entering the inland waterways from outside the jurisdiction.
• Tenders can be registered as part of annual registration of associated larger boats at no cost.
Royal & Grand Canals bylaws:
• Reduction in the cost of houseboat permits in the suburban areas on the canals by €500 per annum.
• Introduction of a five-day rule in selected canal harbours to promote water sports activities.
• Designated five-day rule area in Shannon Harbour and Richmond Harbour, with the remaining berths available for longer use.
• Introduction of a 60-day visitor’s pass to the canals at a cost of €40.
• Definitions of a serviced mooring and a houseboat provided.
Both Shannon & Canals bylaws:
• Removal of proposed speed limit on greenways, blueways and cycleways.
• EU Recreational Craft Directive applies to boats on the Shannon Navigation and Canals.
• Emissions from stoves on boats will comply with the Air Pollution Act 1987.
• IWAI has also received a guarantee that all monies emanating from the registration fees will be ring-fenced for improvements in facilities and services.
Restricted navigation
Other boating groups, such as the Irish Residential Boat Owners Association (IRBOA), have been left more than unhappy with the revision. Despite the revised prices for houseboat moorings, the fees have been described as ‘unreachable’ for the majority.
Originally set up in 2010 by a small group of houseboat dwellers, IRBOA sprang back into life during 2023 and is now very much at the forefront of representation for liveaboards and houseboat communities in Ireland. The group aims to promote and inform politicians, the public and other interested groups about the houseboat communities.
One of the group’s major concerns is that navigation from Lock 12 to Lock 16 on both the Royal and Grand Canals will be restricted and lead to a lack of use on these stretches of canals. This also has the potential to not only reduce any potential boating tourism but also income to the local community as well as divide current liveaboard communities in towns such as Sallins, Hazelhatch, Kilkock and Maynooth. With the second phase of public consultation now closed (February 26) it is yet another anxious wait for many.
You can find out more at: www.irboa.ie or by visiting the Facebook page, aptly named ‘Don’t Empty the Canals’.