I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 105, inclusive, together.
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 valuable recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.
More than 900 submissions were received during the initial consultation period, which concluded on 27 October 2023. Waterways Ireland has considered those submissions carefully and has made changes to the proposed Byelaws to endeavour to deal equitably with legitimate matters of concern raised, while maintaining a balanced focus on the needs of all users of the waterways and the public. Some of those changes include:
• Introduction and extension of a five-day rule on Canal harbours
• Re-instatement of winter moorings on the Shannon Navigation
• Removal of a proposed three-day rule at harbours
• Removal of speed limit proposals on Greenways
• Reducing the proposed houseboat permit fees in suburban areas
Waterways Ireland opened the second phase of the public consultation on January 15 2024, inviting members of the public and interested parties to have their say on the new, revised version of the Shannon Navigation and Canal Byelaws. This second phase of the public consultation remains open until 26 February 2024 and offers an opportunity to consider the revisions to the proposed Byelaws as well as an additional opportunity for the public and all users of the waterways to have their say.
Further submissions received during the second phase of consultation will be considered by Waterways Ireland to best address the views of all stakeholders. The draft Byelaws can be found on www.waterwaysireland.org and in local libraries along the waterways corridors. Submissions to the public consultation can be made through the online survey on the website, or by email to corporate@waterwaysireland.org, as well as by post to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, The Docks, Athlone. Co. Westmeath.
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.
Individual users of the waterways who have specific concerns relating to their particular circumstances are welcome to contact Waterways Ireland directly, or through the public consultation channels. A facility has also been put in place for members of the Oireachtas to obtain information directly from Waterways Ireland. The email address for Oireachtas members is: ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org
It is important to note that no changes can be made to the existing Byelaws, permits, or charges and fees until the legislative process associated with the formal adoption and signing of the Byelaws has been completed.
