Public meeting in Mullingar over canal byelaws changes

A public meeting is to take place in Mullingar in February as part of the public consultation process on revisions to the byelaws governing the use of the Royal and Grand canals, as well as the Shannon Navigation system.

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

The second phase of the public consultation into the byelaw changes was opened last week by Waterways Ireland, and runs until February 26.

The Mullingar meeting takes place at the Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday February 7 from 6pm to 9pm. There is also a meeting taking place at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone. It is fixed for Tuesday February 6, again from 6pm to 9pm.

According to Waterways Ireland, the byelaws revisions include provisions for safety, sustainability and protection of the nature and biodiversity around them on Ireland’s waterways, blueways and greenways.

They 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 on October 27.

Waterways Ireland says it 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 an additional opportunity to have their say.

The Mullingar and Athlone meetings are aimed at facilitating discussion and raising awareness of the process.

Following consideration of the submissions received during the second phase of consultation, Waterways Ireland will submit the revised byelaws to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for approval by the minister.

The draft byelaws can be found on waterwaysireland.org and in local libraries along the waterways corridors. Submissions to the public consultation can be made through the online survey on the website, or by email to corporate@waterwaysireland.org, as well as by post to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, The Docks, Athlone.