Longford TD critical of lack of consultation with local communities

Contentious new bye laws from Waterways Ireland were discussed at the Housing & Local Government committee in Leinster House, following a request from Longford / Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty. Two separation consultations are underway – one in relation to the Royal and Grand Canals and a second for the River Shannon.

Newtowncashel man, Liam Finnegan, was one of a number of boating enthusiasts to attend and address the committee on the proposed byelaws. He is one of the leaders in the newly formed, Shannon Lakes & River Group.

Waterways Ireland has invited public consultation on significant changes  to the Shannon Navigation bye-laws and also the Grand and Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation bye-laws.

At committee last week, Deputy Flaherty warned that the “proposed bye laws  have largely to date gone unnoticed but there is a growing discontent and it is not unreasonable to say that this could be the next rod licence issue.”

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He was sharply critical of the lack of consultation with local communities and warned that the bye laws are seeking  to monetize the River Shannon.

Arising from the committee hearing Waterways Ireland have now agreed to extend their deadline for the public consultation beyond the current end date. The agency is to confirm to the committee in writing this week their proposed new date.

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Meanwhile the committee will discuss the bye-laws in private meeting this week and its likely that the controversial bye laws will feature again in the committee’s work schedule over the coming months.

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