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, and runs until October 2.

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; 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.

‘An innate connection’

Waterways Ireland’s 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 – more people want to live on our waterways and the draft bye-laws will facilitate this.”

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.

“Have [your] say by making a submission to the consultation.”

The public consultation documents can be accessed both online and in hard copy., with the body to hold a number of public meetings around the Republic, details of which can be found on the Waterways Ireland website.

The closing date for submissions to the public consultation is Monday, October 2.