Extended Mooring Applications Open on Inland Waterways
Waterways Ireland has announced the next set of Extended Mooring Locations which will open on the 21st January 2013. The Extended Mooring Permit (E.M.P) is a change in the permit system on the Grand & Royal Canals and Barrow Navigation allowing for up to year-long mooring permits in single location.
The fifth set of areas to offer the E.M.P includes locations in Dublin on the Royal Canal at Blanchardstown as well as Thomastown, Co Westmeath. On the Grand Canal Ballycowan, Derries and Gallen in Co Offaly will open. In addition Athy and Ballyteigue both in Co Kildare and St Mullins in Co Carlow which are all on the Barrow will also open for applications on the 21st January.
The full details of the locations including the GPS co-ordinates, the Application Form and Guidance Notes will be available on www.waterwaysireland.org from the 21st January. The application process for the E.M.P for these locations will remain open until the 4th February 2013. The full list of Extended Mooring Locations has been published and is available on www.waterwaysireland.org, in the New Canal Permit section.
Permits will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so to receive a preferred location early application is advised. Applications can only be accepted from holders of valid annual Combined Mooring and Passage Permit. Boat owners without a Combined Mooring & Passage Permit who wish to apply for an E.M.P can do so by ticking the box on the Extended Mooring Application Form and supplying the additional fee.
Applicants will be notified within 28 days of the success of their application. Successful applicants will be required to sign the E.M.P. license and will then have a period in which to move to their new mooring. Enforcement of the 5 day rule will begin in the area following the issue of a Marine Notice.
Applications for the next set of Extended Mooring Locations will continue on a rolling basis thereafter with Waterways Ireland intention to open sufficient locations to cover demand on all of the canals by the end of March 2013.
Boats that cruise and move (staying at a mooring for up to 5 days) will not require an E.M.P. or be in breach of the Bye-laws.
Waterways Ireland will continue to contact permit holders regularly to ensure they are kept up to date with the roll-out of the new permit. All queries about the enforcement of the current bye-laws or the E.M.P should be directed to Shane Anderson, Assistant Inspector of Navigation: Tel no +353 (0)87 286 5726, Email shane.anderson@waterwaysireland.org .
These changes are necessary steps to improve the management of the canals and waterway amenities for both the navigational and recreational user, so that investment in the new infrastructure and facilities which Waterways Ireland has undertaken is maximised for every user.
