Ivor Callely
Ceist:27 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the consideration, if any, he has given with regard to regulations for the use of jet skis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12274/98]
Written Answers. - Jet Ski Regulations.
The Merchant Shipping (Jet Skis and Fast Power Boat) Regulations, 1992 were introduced to enable local authorities, regional fisheries boards, harbour authorities and the Commissioners of Public Works to propose to the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources that areas within or in the seas adjoining their jurisdiction be designated as unsuitable for the operation of these craft in the interests of the safety of pleasure craft and their occupants.
The measures are available for the protection of pleasure craft and their occupants and do not extend to the protection of swimmers, bathers or the natural environment as these matters would be beyond the scope of the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources' statutory powers. As the Deputy may be aware, following a recent review of the 1992 regulations, the Office of the Attorney General has advised that they are now considered to be legally unsound, and do not provide the scope of what most local authorities proposals seek to achieve.
As a result, further processing of designation proposals has been suspended pending the outcome of a review currently being carried out by my Department in order to identify the most appropriate and effective means of regulating these craft with a view to providing for the improvement of safety for all water users. In this regard, consultations have taken place with the Department of the Environment and Local Government, whose Local Government Act, 1994 allows local authorities to make by-laws to deal with any nuisance that should be controlled or suppressed in the interests of the common good of the local community. The suggestion that such by-laws could offer a more effective means of controlling power craft, since they could be tailored to suit the specific needs of individual localities, is being examined as part of my Department's review.
In addition to this ongoing consultation, I have recently decided to establish a group to examine the question of regulation of the marine leisure area, including jet skis and fast power boats. It is my intention that this group will give urgent consideration to dealing with such craft in the overall context of the expanding marine leisure area. I will be supportive of any recommendations made which will lead to the improvement of safety for all water users and the general enjoyment of our unique coastal environment.