Ms Dawn Livingstone:

We are actively reviewing the terms and conditions of houseboats. These by-laws give certainty for people who want to live on a boat as a lifestyle choice. Previously there was no provision for them - they could not be managed, as they did not exist in the by-laws. I can appreciate people's concern about losing that way of life. However, some people, who live on their boats, cruise and move continually. Those people only need to buy the €130 permit. They do not need an extended mooring permit because they are always on the move. For people who wish to live in one location, we are trying to create houseboat locations close to where they are located so that it is somewhere they have lived and want to live. We are sensitive to meeting the needs and making sensible provision to ensure that everybody can be included.