Waterways Ireland Takes Prosecution against Boat-Owners Breaking Bye-laws
Waterways Ireland has successfully undertaken the prosecution of two boats owners on Lough Erne for breaching the 48 hour mooring Bye-law. The defendants received a caution and undertook to comply with the Bye-laws in the future.
Waterways Ireland communicates regularly with boat owners about the Bye-laws and has produced a publication “Good Boating Guide” advising boat owners of the Bye-laws on Lough Erne.
Having recorded breaches of the 48 hour mooring Bye-laws, Waterways Ireland wrote to the boat owners advising of the breach and after subsequent breaches were noted, Waterways Ireland reluctantly brought the prosecutions under the Bye-laws.
The Magistrate, Mr. Kennedy, commented that “the Prosecutions were properly brought and it is important that people comply with the Bye-laws. “
Brian D’Arcy, Waterways Ireland’s Director of Operations stated “Waterways Ireland had no option but to prosecute following the increasing numbers of local boat owners abusing moorings provided for visiting tourist boats. Waterways Ireland provides moorings free of charge to enable tourists and touring boat owners to access attractions, services, towns and villages. Particularly in Enniskillen, the moorings facilitate the tourism economy as boaters spend in shops and restaurants; reduced access means less income for the town. Waterways Ireland would like to ensure all boat owners are made aware of their responsibilities when using public moorings and do not leave their boats moored in one location on a public mooring for more than 48 hours.”
For more information boaters can download a copy of the Good Boaters Guide from the Waterways Ireland website or order a copy free from the Webshop www.waterwaysireland.org.
