Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 5

Written Answers. - Water Sports Vehicles.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

91 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concern of fishermen at the use of jetskis on certain inland fishery areas; the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28029/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I am aware of wide-ranging concerns expressed by anglers, and indeed many others, about the use of jetskis and fast power-boats on our inland waters and inshore seas. The concerns expressed suggest that there are instances where, perhaps inexperienced operators of these craft, have shown scant regard for safety. Safety must be a primary and integral part of water sports activities, particularly where power craft are involved.

As I have stated before, my overriding concern as Minister with responsibility for the prevention of loss of life at sea and the promotion of sustainable development of marine tourism and leisure is to ensure that such craft are operated in a safe and responsible manner.

I have identified the need for action on a number of fronts.

A Marine Safety Working Group, MSWG operates under the chairmanship of the director of the Irish Marine Emergency Service, IMES of my Department, with the aim of creating and communicating marine safety information and messages, to endeavour to reduce accidents and to prevent the loss of life in Irish waters. The safety working group meets regularly and has produced a number of Safety on the Water book-lets, leaflets and posters for widespread dissemination. A safety code, for jet skis and fast power boats which is available in "poster", "flyer" and "sticker" form has been drawn up and is being widely distributed by the Director of IMES. The purpose of the code is to heighten awareness of the requirement to operate such craft in a safe manner with regard to the safety of other water users.

I am taking steps to ensure that this safety code is communicated to purchasers and users of jet skis and fast power craft and that suppliers of such craft will assist in disseminating the code. Also, local authorities are being requested to post the code in areas where jet skis and fast power craft are used. The National Safety Council will also be involved in promoting the code.

The Marine Institute, whose functions include the promotion of the sustainable development of the marine leisure resource, is examining, at my request and with the benefit of independent expertise, the options for the management of the operation of fast power craft. The examination is, amongst other things, looking at appropriate statutory and non-statutory models for management and promotion of the safe use of such craft. The institute is liaising closely with my Department in the matter and will draw on management models at a number of locations in Ireland and abroad. In addition, there will be full consultation with interested parties, including public authorities and voluntary bodies.

It is clear to me that the control of recreational fast power craft must be addressed on a number of fronts. My immediate concern is to ensure that progress is made as a matter of urgency in raising safety awareness amongst the users of such craft. The use of statutory mechanisms to regulate such craft has proved complex from both safety and legal perspectives but I am determined that, if statutory measures are identified as being necessary, the various public agencies will agree on a plan of action to implement them.