Controversy over 'stealth tax' on recreational boaters

Waterways Ireland has extended a public consultation on proposed byelaws changes, with a second phase of public consultation also added to facilitate further engagement with the public and stakeholders.

The draft Waterways Ireland byelaws have been branded “a stealth tax on recreational boaters” by one local waterway user.
The leader of the newly formed Shannon Lakes & River Group, Liam Finnegan believes Waterways Ireland are overstepping the mark with some of the proposals in the byelaws: “We totally object to it,” he told the Leader. Mr Finnegan was one of a group of concerned boaters who recently addressed the Dáil Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The Shannon Lakes & River Group member feels that the approach by Waterways Ireland to the new byelaws ignores the concerns of many who use the waterways: “It was never a consultation phase. They were public meetings. It was a box ticking exercise. They just threw out these proposals and that was it.” One of the main objections of the group is the proposed imposition of a flat €200 charge each year: “It will bring in around €1.8m per year. It's a stealth tax put on people.”
Mr Finnegan says the charge is unacceptable to the membership of The Shannon Lakes & River Group: “It's a hell of a lot for a blanket charge to be brought in from zero to €200. It's an incredible charge. It is a 32 county body, but they are not bringing it in in Northern Ireland. It is not being imposed on fishing boats, who probably use the water more than pleasure boats.”

Waterways Ireland say the initial consultation period (phase 1) has been extended to 27th October 2023, having originally been due to close on 2nd October 2023. Following the initial consultation period, Waterways Ireland will review all submissions during November and December 2023. Waterways Ireland say they “will endeavour to proactively and equitably deal with legitimate matters of concern raised during the initial public consultation process, publish its consultation document and re-issue amended draft byelaws”. Waterways Ireland say they will “consider all new feedback received, to best address the views of all stakeholders and ultimately, update byelaws” describing the existing ones as “undisputedly, out-of-date, and unfit for purpose”.

There will be no changes to the existing byelaws, permits, or charges/fees until revised byelaws are approved.
The draft byelaws can be found on waterwaysireland.org and in local libraries along the waterways corridors. Submissions to the public consultation can be made through the online survey on the website, by email to corporate@waterwaysireland.org and by post to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, The Docks, Athlone. The proposed changes relate to Shannon Navigation byelaws (including the River Shannon, Shannon-Erne Waterway, River Finn, and Ulster Canal) and Canal byelaws (including the Grand Canal, Royal Canal, & Barrow Navigation).