Written Answers. - Water Sport Vehicles.
Brian O'Shea
Question:
430
Mr. O'Shea
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
his proposals to regulate the noise pollution levels arising from the use of jet skis in coastal bathing areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[13475/02]
Brian O'Shea
Question:
431
Mr. O'Shea
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
his proposals to regulate the use of jet skis in coastal bathing areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[13476/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 431 together.
The Deputy may be aware that Directive 94/25/EC, which became fully operational on 16 June 1998 and has been transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Recreational Craft) Regulations, 1998, S.I. No. 40 of 1998, requires that recreational craft between 2.5 metres and 24 metres hull length must be constructed in compliance with safety standards outlined in the directive. The directive as it stands, however, does not require the construction of such craft to comply with specified standards relating to engine exhaust or sound emissions, nor does it apply in any way to personal watercraft, more commonly known as jet skis or water bikes.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Council of the European Union has recently adopted a common position with a view to amending Directive 94/25/EC to include harmonised provisions, including limits, on exhaust and noise emissions from engines intended to be installed on recreational craft. Significantly, these amendments will also see the inclusion for the first time in the directive of a harmonised approach in the EU towards the construction standards, including exhaust and noise emission requirements, for personal watercraft. My Department has worked closely with the Department of the Environment and Local Government in fully supporting the amending directive on its progress through the EU Council and Parliament, and I particularly welcome the inclusion of jet skis in the types of recreational craft which are now to be covered by the scope of the directive.
These new measures, which I understand are intended to come into effect in 2004, will tie in with the new legislative framework currently being developed by my Department to regulate the use of recreational watercraft, including jet skis and fast power craft, in line with the recommendations made in the report of the action group on small powered recreational craft, including personal watercraft, which was presented to my predecessor as Minister, Deputy Fahey, in April 2000. On foot of that report, the Minister introduced new regulations governing the safe use of personal watercraft – jet skis – fast power craft and other mechanically propelled pleasure craft. These regulations, which apply in all Irish waters and not just in coastal areas, are an initial phase of regulations which have been developed by my Department as a result of the recommendations made in that report. Specifically, the new regulations implement the recommendations which had been made in relation to the carriage and use of appropriate lifejackets, the minimum age under which persons should not be allowed to operate personal watercraft and fast power craft and restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs. In addition, the regulations provide that persons who operate personal watercraft – jet skis – and fast power craft in a dangerous or careless manner can be prosecuted for such behaviour.
The Deputy may be aware that under the Local Government Act, 1994, local authorities are empowered to introduce bye laws to regulate the usage of waters in areas under their jurisdiction. I believe these powers, which can include prohibiting the use of personal watercraft, with the new regulations which have been introduced, will see a significant improvement in the safety, not only of those using jet skis and fast power craft, but also of bathers and other water users whose safety may have been threathened by such craft in the past. The ministerial action group made other recommendations relating to issues such as insurance and registration of pleasure craft as well as training and competence of users. It is my intention that work on these issues will be progressed, in full consultation with those in the sector, under the Maritime Safety Directorate which has recently been established within my Department. The purpose of this new directorate is to undertake the State's marine regulatory safety services, including the co-ordination of all aspects of safety at sea. The Maritime Safety Directorate will incorporate the current functions of my Department's marine survey office and its maritime safety and marine environment divisions as well as the safety functions in relation to pleasure craft.
