A local councillor says the danger presented by large boats using local lakes cannot be underestimated.
Cllr Philip Brady says it's imperative that action is taken to minimise the risks posed. Cavan County Council implemented a Bye Law in 2008 on Lough Sheelin which prohibited the use of power boats and jet skis and implemented a speed limit of 5 nautical miles per hour.
According to Cllr Brady the purpose of the bye law "was in the interest of safety of persons using the waters generally and to prevent nuisance to or injury to persons or damage to the watercraft".
The Bye Law was a success and no power boats or jet skis were seen on Lough Sheelin until about 3 years ago. He said since that time large craft with engines of up to 190 horse power have appeared on the lake.
Cllr Brady says there has been many reports of near misses with these big engines. He says Lough Sheelin isn't the only place who are having this problem, Killykeen and Lough Gowna are having similar issues. Cllr Brady says the engines are also a threat to the wildlife and bird life in the lake and something needs to be done and done fast.
