I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that staffing levels on this waterway were reviewed in late 2015 when the number of full-time Waterway Patrollers was reduced from four to three due to the retirement of a Patroller in November 2015.
Taking into consideration the levels of activity on the waterway during the shoulder seasons, Waterways Ireland decided to operate the waterway with three full-time Waterway Patrollers during these periods. These Patrollers are now covering a larger area at these times while continuing to operate from their normal base. Waterways Ireland has informed me that this change is justified given the level of activity on the waterway during these periods. I am also advised by Waterways Ireland that it has consulted with the three full-time Waterway Patrollers and also with their trade union representative regarding this change.
The recruitment process for three seasonal Waterway Patrollers has commenced. During the 2016 high season, June–August, three seasonal Waterway Patrollers will be in place based at Lock 16, Kilclare and at Lock 1 and the three full-time Waterway Patrollers will revert to covering their normal areas. Waterways Ireland will continue to monitor the staffing arrangements on the Shannon – Erne Waterway and will review them before the commencement of the 2017 season.