Dan Boyle
Ceist:713 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the restrictions which can be applied to the use of jet skis. [22954/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 29 September 2004
Ceisteanna (531)
Freagraí scríofa
Local authorities currently have the power to make by-laws, as they see fit, under section 37(1) of the Local Government Act, 1994 subject to the area being under the control or management of the relevant local authority. Some local authorities have already implemented restrictions relating to the use of jet skis, including speed limits and the provision of zones which exclude jet skis.
However there have been some problems relating to local authorities making by-laws for areas not under their control or management. To address this matter I have published the Maritime Safety Bill 2004, which was presented to the Seanad on 30 June 2004. The primary purpose of this Bill is to enhance public safety and amenity, and protect natural and other heritage areas, by strengthening the law against the improper use of certain fast powered watercraft such as jet skis and speedboats in the waters off the coast and in lakes and rivers.
The Bill confers clear by-law making powers to regulate and control the operation of craft of the types in question, on the following authorities: (a) County councils and city councils in respect of waters generally except waters under the control or management of Waterways Ireland or under the jurisdiction of other statutory authorities; (b) Harbour companies within the meaning of the Harbours Acts 1996 and 2000; (c) The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in so far as concerns the five fishery harbour centres — Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Rossaveel and Killybegs — and other harbours under the control or management of the Minister, and, (d) Iarnród Éireann in relation to Rosslare Harbour and any other harbour under its control or management.
Fines of up to €2,000 on summary conviction for offences under the bye-laws are provided for in the Bill, as well as fixed payment notices, which are on-the-spot-fines. Provision is also made in the Bill for the seizure, detention and forfeiture of craft involved in offences and for the disqualification of serious offenders from operating craft of the types in question, in the interest of public safety etc. Section 14 provides for the appointment of authorised persons by the Minister, county and city councils and harbour companies to enforce the Bill. The Garda Síochána will also play a key role in enforcement. The issue of the safe use of jet skis and other such craft remains a priority and my objective is to have this legislation enacted as quickly as possible.