Waterways Ireland proposes to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old and no longer fit for purpose. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over the past thirty years. The purpose of updating the Bye-laws is to make the waterways safer for those using the waterways, blueways and greenways, and continue to provide a wonderful recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.
A public consultation on draft revisions to the Bye-laws commenced on 19 June 2023 and remains open for submissions. I understand that Waterways Ireland has agreed to extend the consultation closing date to facilitate greater public engagement, and an announcement will be made to that effect very shortly.
The consultation has been advertised widely in the national and local press, across social media channels and online. Eight open public consultation Information events have been held along the waterways. A series of webinars has been held for all elected members of relevant local authorities, the Dáil and Seanad Éireann. Waterways Ireland also held on-line meetings with stakeholders including the Inland Waterways Association Ireland (IWAI), Irish Boat Rental Association (IBRA), Royal Canal Amenity Group (RCAG), Heritage Boat Association (HBA) and others.
The public can learn about the proposed changes and participate in the public consultation in the following ways:
1. Via the Waterways Ireland website www.waterwaysireland.org where the draft Bye-laws and the explanatory notes are available to download.
2. By visiting a public library where copies of the draft Byelaws and explanatory notes are available for review.
The public and interested parties can also make a submission on the draft Bye-laws in the following ways:
• by online survey using the link on the Waterways Ireland website,
• by email to corporate@waterwaysireland.org and/or
• by post to the Inspector of Navigation, The Docks, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
Following completion of the public consultation, Waterways Ireland will publish the details of all submissions received, including a report on the consultation, on its website and will consider and review all submissions received in making changes and amendments to the draft Bye-laws as appropriate.
The Principles and Guidelines as devised by the Department of Public Enterprise and Reform in 2016 and the Guide for the Inclusive Community Engagement published by the Department of Rural and Community Development in February 2023, have been followed by Waterways Ireland in respect of the Public Consultation process for the review of the Byelaws.
