Waterways Ireland calls on public for feedback as second phase of public consultation on Byelaws changes opens

Waterways Ireland calls on public for feedback as second phase of public consultation on Byelaws changes opens 

Waterways Ireland has today opened the second phase of the public consultation on proposed Byelaws changes - inviting members of the public and interested parties to have their say on proposed revisions to the Shannon Navigation and Canal Byelaws, the first changes that will be made in nearly 40 years. The public consultation will run from January 15 to February 26.

Byelaws are the rules guiding how the waterways should be used. The Byelaws revisions include provisions for safety and sustainability to ensure the maintenance of safe shared public spaces on Ireland’s Waterways, Blueways and Greenways, and protection of the nature and biodiversity around them.

It also propose changes in fees, permits and registrations relating to inland waterways and Greenways along the Shannon Navigation, the Shannon Erne Waterway, Ulster Canal, the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation.

Over 900 submissions were received during the initial consultation period, which closed in October 2023.

Waterways Ireland has considered all submissions and has made changes to the proposed Byelaws  to endeavour to equitably deal with legitimate matters of concern raised. The revised 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 

The second round of the public consultation will offer the public an opportunity to consider the modifications to the proposed revised Byelaws, while offering a welcome additional opportunity to have their say. As part of the process, two public meetings on the Byelaws changes are planned to facilitate discussion and raise awareness of the process.

These public meetings will take place as follows: Tuesday 6th February 2024 – 6pm to 9pm – Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone, and Wednesday 7th February 2024 – 6pm to 9pm – Mullingar Park Hotel in Co. Westmeath. 

Further submissions received during the second phase of consultation will be considered by Waterways Ireland to best address the views of all stakeholders and update Byelaws which are undisputedly, out-of-date, and unfit for purpose before revised Bye-laws are submitted to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for approval by the Minister.

The proposed Byelaws revisions are the first to take place since 1988 for the Canals, and the first since 1994 for the Shannon.

Commenting, Waterways Ireland Inspector of Navigation Paddy Harkin said: "Our waterways are used by millions of people for leisure, recreation and enjoyment. This includes boaters, kayakers, anglers, volunteers, walkers and cyclists on the Greenways and Blueways that traverse our country. In addition, our waterways host houseboat communities, and as more people use our waterways, it is important we revise the existing Byelaws to ensure we can provide safe, healthy, sustainable and positive experiences for all users."  

No changes will be made to the existing Byelaws, permits, or charges/fees until the legislative process associated with the formal adoption and signing of the Byelaws has been completed.

The proposed Byelaws reflect the substantial change in Waterways Ireland’s responsibilities to maintain safe shared public spaces on our waterways, Blueways and Greenways and to reimagine our waterways for the future.