Waterways Ireland extend public consultation on draft byelaws

Waterways Ireland (WI) have extended a public consultation on proposed byelaws changes, and a second phase of public consultation has been added.

The initial consultation period has been extended to October 27; it had originally been due to close on October 2.

Following the initial consultation period, Waterways Ireland will review all submissions during November and December 2023.

They said in a statement this morning that they will endeavour to proactively and equitably deal with legitimate matters of concern raised during the initial public consultation process, publish their consultation document and re-issue amended draft byelaws.

Phase 2 of the consultation will run from January 15 to February 26, 2024.

That phase of the process will offer all stakeholders an opportunity to consider the modifications to the proposed revised byelaws.

Waterways Ireland will then consider all new feedback received to best address the views of all stakeholders and ultimately, update byelaws “which are undisputedly, out-of-date, and unfit for purpose”.

There will be no changes to the existing byelaws, permits, or charges/fees until revised byelaws are approved, say WI.

Waterways Ireland encourage everyone to read the draft byelaws and to participate in the public consultation, and are keen to hear from anglers, boaters, cyclists, paddle-sport enthusiasts, runners, walkers, members of communities along the waterways and the public at large.

The draft byelaws are at waterwaysireland.org and in local libraries near the waterways corridors.

Submissions to the public consultation can be made through the survey on the website, by email to corporate@waterwaysireland.org and by post to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, The Docks, Athlone.

The proposed changes relate to Shannon Navigation byelaws (including the River Shannon, Shannon-Erne Waterway, River Finn, and Ulster Canal) and canal byelaws (including the Grand Canal, Royal Canal, and Barrow Navigation).

WI stated: Much has changed in the 30 years since the byelaws were last updated. 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.