Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
684. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the new Shannon bye laws will require commercial operators to get a licence to operate a commercial activity on the waterway; and if there will be a fee to obtain this licence. [29762/26]
View answerWaterways Ireland proposes to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over the past thirty years. The purpose of updating the Bye-laws is to make the waterways safer for those using the waterways, blueways and greenways, and continue to provide a valuable recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.
The Shannon Navigation Bye-laws 1992 currently stipulate that a person shall not carry out commercial operations without the permission of Waterways Ireland. Permissions have been provided to operators by way of annual licence and associated fee.
The current revised draft of the Bye-laws, which has been submitted to my Department for detailed consideration and legal review, amends Section 23 to confirm the position as follows:
23 (1) A person shall require a licence in writing from Waterways Ireland to carry out commercial operations (excluding commercial fishing) on the Shannon Navigation. Licences issued to commercial operations may contain such written conditions as Waterways Ireland deems fit.
It is important to note that no changes can be made to the existing Bye-laws, permits, or charges and fees until the legislative process associated with the formal adoption and signing of the Bye-laws has concluded.
