Concern over abandoned boats

Call for Waterways Ireland to intervene

Waterways Ireland has been asked to do more about long-term berthing of boats on local sections of the Shannon, despite stepping up action against the owners of such vessels in recent years.

The agency removed almost 50 abandoned boats from waterways under its remit between 2023 and 2025. The vessels were deemed an obstruction or hazard to other waterway users, or were considered an environmental risk.

In a Waterways Ireland presentation at the April meeting of Nenagh Municipal District, councillors drew attention to a number of local areas where abandoned boats have become a problem. Cllr Phyll Bugler wanted the agency to take charge of Ballina Quay, where she said boats have been left moored for months or years at a time.

Cllr Bugler told the meeting that 13 vessels have been berthed at the quay for a sustained period of time and are preventing people with hire cruisers from docking. “This is causing major problems from an economic/tourism point of view,” she said. She wanted Waterways Ireland to take charge of the quay and develop a floating pontoon to assist with local tourism.

Cllr John Carroll spoke of seven abandoned boats in Garrykennedy, which he said reduced capacity while also detracting from the view of the harbour. Such behaviour should not be tolerated, Cllr Carroll said, though he was aware of the costs Waterways Ireland had incurred in trying to trace owners to take responsibility for their boats.

BYELAWS

Brian Treacy, Western Regional Manager with Waterways Ireland, said the agency would not be able to enforce its Shannon Navigation Byelaws at Ballina Quay before taking charge. The byelaws provide for a maximum stay of five days at quays, marinas or harbour areas in Waterways Ireland control, after which the owner is required to move their boat.

Mr Treacy said consultations have taken place with Tipperary Co Council over Ballina Quay. A number of works are required before Waterways Ireland can take charge of the quay and apply the byelaws.

Inspector of Navigation Peter Harty said it costs around €1,000 to remove an abandoned boat from the water. Waterways Ireland tries to recoup that cost from the boat owner. The agency must keep the boat in storage for 42 days, after which it can be auctioned off.

Mr Harty added that Waterways Ireland carries out regular patrols on Lough Derg. Staff enforcing the byelaws are often subjected to abusive behaviour by the people they meet on boats.

He also informed the meeting that there are 22 people living on boats on Lough Derg.

Cllr Joe Hannigan suggested that the Waterways Ireland executive members could liaise with public representatives on the issue of abandoned boats.

He also asked the executive to look at the problem of trees under the water at Urra. Cllr Hannigan said the trees were carried downstream by the Nenagh River in times of flood and they have lodged in the lake, posing a problem for boat users.

WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

Cllr Séamie Morris noted that Waterways Ireland is a stakeholder in the plan to pump Shannon water to the Eastern and Midlands regions. He queried the agency’s role in Uisce Éireann’s plan.

Mr Treacy replied that Waterways Ireland has made a submission on the plan, in which it sought further information around water levels and operating level impact on marinas and harbours. Parteen and Ardnacrusha are the remit of the ESB and, while Waterways Ireland would work with the ESB, “we don’t have a decision-making role”, Mr Treacy said.