Waterways Ireland is proposing 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. To characterize the proposed scale of permit fees as dramatically increased is somewhat imprecise.
A key aspect of the new draft Canal Byelaws is the introduction of standards and permits for houseboats. To inform its proposals in this regard, Waterways Ireland engaged KPMG to conduct research into a houseboat permit pricing model, provide transparency on the calculation of fees, future proof a pricing mechanism and assist with the development of a Sustainable on Water Living programme. The KPMG report is available on the Waterways Ireland website.
A Public Consultation on the draft revisions to the Bye-laws commenced on 19 June 2023. Phase 1 of this consultation remains open for submissions until 27 October 2023.
Following completion of Phase 1 of the consultation, Waterways Ireland will review the submissions received, and endeavour to deal proactively and fairly with any matters of concern raised. Waterways Ireland will publish all submissions received on its website, and will take these into account in preparing a new, revised draft of the proposed Byelaws for further consultation.
A second phase of the public consultation will open on 15 January and run to 26 February 2024. This will offer all stakeholders an opportunity to consider the modifications to the proposed revised Byelaws. Thereafter Waterways Ireland will consider all new feedback received, to best address the views and concerns of stakeholders.
There will be no changes to the existing Byelaws, permits, or charges/fees until revised Byelaws are approved.
