Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 3

Written Answers. - Water Sports Vehicles.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

161 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has considered bringing forth appropriate amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Jet Skis and Fast Power Boat) Regulations 1992 [S.I. No: 387 of 1992] which would empower local authorities to supervise or restrict the use and operation of jet skis and fast power boats on the lakes within their administrative areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10063/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

While the Merchant Shipping (Jet Skis and Fast Power Boat) Regulations, 1992 enabled local authorities and others to propose that jet skis and fast power craft would not operate in certain designated areas, I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 27 May 1998 that there were difficulties concerning the implementation of these regulations.

However, I have initiated action on a number of fronts to address the wide ranging public concerns that have been expressed in relation to the indiscriminate use of jet skis and fast power boats in certain inland and coastal waters.

A safety code for jet skis has been introduced by the marine safety working group (MSWG) which operates under the chairmanship of the director of the Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES) of my Department and whose aim is to create and communicate marine safety information and messages, and to endeavour to reduce accidents and to prevent the loss of life in Irish waters. I am arranging to send a copy of the safety code to the Deputy. The purpose of the code is to heighten awareness of the requirements to operate such craft in a safe manner with particular regard to the safety of other water users. The safety code is being distributed widely to safety organisations, local authorities and people involved in the sector.

The Marine Institute, whose functions include the promotion of the sustainable development of the marine leisure resource, has engaged consultants to undertake a full examination of safety in the water leisure sector with a view to proposing models as to how best the safety in the sector can be addressed. The operation of jet skis and fast power craft is being specifically addressed in this examination. The institute and its consultants have been asked that there be full consultation with interested parties, including public authorities and voluntary bodies, and that the examination will, among other things, involve assessing the most appropriate statutory and non statutory models, including local authorities input, for management and promotion of the safe use of jet skis and fast power craft.

As the Marine Institute's examination of the matter will involve assessing the most appropriate local authority input, I am particularly keen to explore further the appropriate role for local authorities in dealing with the problem in their own areas. Indeed, I understand that Fingal County Council has, in recent days, formally adopted beach bye-laws which are due to come into force shortly and which will deal with jet skis in certain areas under that council's control in accordance with powers under the Local Government Act, 1994.