Provisions made for liveaboard boaters

annual registration fee is, however, just the tip of the iceberg where costs are concerned for Ireland’s inland waterways boaters

A number of newly proposed items listed in the draft documents such as the requirement of an annual fire extinguisher service, will see boating costs rocket and may even have the potential to out-cost this leisure pursuit for some

To view the public consultation documents visit: www.waterwaysireland.org

IRELAND’s liveaboard boaters are recognised in a number of provisions forming part of the Waterways Ireland revision of the Shannon Navigation and Canals bye-laws

The introduction of a houseboat permit (houseboat refers to a boat used as a residence of the owner and/ or immediate family with the owner ’ s permission) is proposed for which key requirements will need to be met

These include the vessel undergoing an in-water inspection conducted by a certified marine surveyor in compliance with canal bye-law safety requirements within the previous five years, as well as evidence of insurance

Costs for permits will be dependent on location and services provided It is proposed five categories of houseboat permit are created: Urban, Rural, Serviced and Unserved, with prices ranging from €500 to €7500 per annum

To view the revision of the bye-laws and access the public consultation documents visit: www.waterwaysireland.org

People requested to aid new otter survey

THE public are being asked to contribute to a new national otter survey being compiled by The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

NPWS staff will be monitoring over 900 sites searching for otter tracks and signs However, as the otter is one of Ireland’s most elusive mammals, mostly active at night and most typically seen at dawn and dusk, input from the public and in particular waterway and coastal users such as boaters, paddlers, fishermen and walkers, will prove beneficial.

The findings will be used in comparison with the last otter survey in 2010/2011 and a full report on how the otter is faring is expected to be published in 2025. To find out more and/or report an otter sighting in Ireland visit: www biodiversityireland ie/ surveys/national-otter-survey/

Otter sightings are being sought in new survey

Waterways Ireland proposes bye-law revisions for first time in decades

MEMBERS of the public and interested parties are being invited by Waterways Ireland to have their say on proposed revisions to the Shannon

Navigation and Canals bye-laws by making a submission to a public consultation.

The consultation covers the Shannon Navigation (including the Shannon-Erne Waterway), the Royal and Grand canals, and the Barrow Navigation It is open and runs until October 2 The revisions were developed by

Waterways Ireland following research and consultation with key stakeholders

These 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

Also the introduction of an annual registration process, abolition of lock passage fees; the requirement for lifejackets on the water and safety equipment on boats; speed limits for bicycles and scooters ontheGreenwaysandBlueways; certification of vessels being used for commercial purposes and designated zones for tents and caravans The revisions also include measures to protect the environment Waterways Ireland chief executive, John McDonagh commented: “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 ”

Mr McDonagh added: “Waterways Ireland is the proud custodian of more than 1000km 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 We encourage all 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

In addition, Waterways Ireland has been holding public meetings on the draft bye-laws throughout June and July in Carrick-on-Shannon; Killaloe; Dublin; Carlow; Mullingar, Athlone and Tullamore

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

MarpleAqueductcarriesthecanalovertheRiverGoyt.