Waterways Ireland is inviting members of the public and interested parties to have their say on proposed revisions to the Shannon Navigation and Canals bye-laws by making a submission to a public consultation, which is now open.
The consultation covers the Shannon Navigation, including the Shannon-Erne Waterway, the Royal and Grand canals, and the Barrow Navigation.
It runs until the 2nd of October 2023.
In addition, Waterways Ireland will hold public meetings on the draft bye-laws in June and July.
Details of these meetings can be found on the Waterways Ireland website.
Commenting, Waterways Ireland Chief Executive, John McDonagh said: "In Ireland, we have an innate connection to our waterways. An abundance of people choose our waterways for their leisure - that includes boaters, kayakers, anglers, walkers or cyclists on the Greenways and Blueways. More people want to live on our waterways and the draft bye-laws will facilitate this.
"The current bye-laws that govern the Shannon Navigation and the Canals are 30 years old. There have been many positive changes during this time. We have an increased awareness of health and safety, and biodiversity. In recent years we have developed many Greenways and Blueways. The draft bye-laws reflect this progress".
Mr McDonagh added: "Waterways Ireland is the proud custodian of more than 1,000km of inland waterways. The proposed bye-laws will protect biodiversity, water quality, heritage, and waterways users. They will enable more people to enjoy our waterways. We encourage all waterways users to read the proposed revisions and to have their say by making a submission to the consultation."
