The Royal Canal at Ballynacargy.

Waterways Ireland invites submissions on changes to Royal Canal Bye-Laws

Waterways Ireland is inviting people and organisations affected by the changes to the Draft Canals Act, 1986 (Amendment) Bye-Laws, 2014 to make submissions to Waterways Ireland before February 3.

All the documents are available online and can be viewed by arrangement in Waterways Ireland offices in Enniskillen and Dublin. Submissions can be made online, by email, by post and by visiting Waterways Ireland offices.

Submissions are being sought on changes to the Bye-Laws on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation. The Draft Canals Act, 1986 (Amendment), Bye-Laws, 2014 includes a new management framework which will be used to manage continuous cruising, houseboats, dry dock facilities as well as key location and serviced mooring usage. The amendments also include changes to mooring times, charges and the introduction of a fixed penalty notice.

Waterways Ireland will consult with the groups representing the views of people affected by statutory equality regulations such as disability or age based groups.

In addition Waterways Ireland will be holding meetings with groups where their members will be affected by the changes to the bye-laws.

Letters have also been issued to all permit holders on the navigations affected by the bye-law changes informing them of the public consultation and the availability of the documentation.

The deadline for submissions is February 3. Documentation is available here.