The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) has opened discussions with Waterways Ireland regarding proposed new Shannon Navigation bylaws and their potential impact on marina operators and the wider inland waterways sector.
Correspondence seen by Afloat indicates the Federation is seeking clarification on how updated licensing and regulatory arrangements may affect commercial operators, marinas and boating activity.
The engagement follows recent Public Accounts Committee discussions concerning the proposed bylaws and marina licensing issues on the Shannon system.
In correspondence to Waterways Ireland Inspector of Navigation Patrick Harkin, IMF chairman Crónán O’Donnell said neither the IMF nor the Irish Marina Operators Association (IMOA) had been directly represented during recent discussions referenced in PAC transcripts.
O’Donnell said the Federation had “no intention of delaying or obstructing” the process and acknowledged the extent of public consultation already undertaken.
However, he said the Federation wished to better understand the potential trade and industry implications arising from the proposed bylaws.
Among the issues raised by the IMF were marina licensing arrangements, possible fee implications for operators and any planning or conservation-related impacts.
The Federation also pointed to wider commercial pressures within the boating sector, including affordability concerns and challenges facing marina businesses.
Responding on behalf of Waterways Ireland, Harkin said the Shannon Navigation bye-law consultation process during 2023 and 2024 generated 1,799 submissions.
He said Waterways Ireland had since been engaged with the Department on legal drafting of the proposed bylaws.
Harkin said submissions had been received from a number of marina owners during the consultation process and stated that the proposed bylaws “will not impact the operations of marinas along the Shannon”.
“In most cases we simply want to regularise the situation with a Commercial Operators Licence as is already required in the current ‘old’ set of bye-laws,” he said.
Waterways Ireland also invited further engagement with the IMF and its members.
“It would be good for Waterways Ireland to meet with you in your capacity as Chairman of the Irish Marine Federation,” Harkin wrote.
“We would take the opportunity to assure you and your members that the Bye-Laws are a positive development. Equally we would like to hear your perspective.”
Further discussions between the parties are expected in the coming weeks.
