John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, to the House and I welcome this important Bill, which is, if anything, overdue. There has been a problem with jet skis on inland waterways for a long time, particularly in the midland lakes. Deputy Paul McGrath, among others, was active several years ago in attempting to persuade local authorities to restrict these activities on lakes such as Lough Ennell, where they are a serious problem.

The difficulty is that there are conflicting interests. I declare an interest in that I am a trout fisherman and I fish on Lough Ennell, Lough Owel, Lough Derravaragh and other midland lakes. Unquestionably, jet skis and similar equipment are a cause of irritation and danger. Almost inevitably, it is young men who ride jet skis, as they are attracted by speed, and they seem to have a total disregard for other people. The waters in question are large enough to accommodate the various conflicting parties. There is enough room on Lough Ennell for game anglers and jet skis but they must be restricted to particular areas. That is only reasonable.

Apart from the question of safety, there is an environmental issue which might not have been highlighted in the past. Generally, the midland lakes are shallow and these craft, whether they be jet skis or power boats, disturb the bottom considerably. This has implications for the lakes' invertebrate life, which sustains the angling if not the fish themselves. I welcome the fact that there is now the possibility of controlling these sports.

In contrast, let us consider the way in which the sailing club on Lough Owel conducts its affairs. Its members confine themselves to a restricted area. These are quite small craft which travel at low speeds and do not do much damage. It has been the case for many years that the angling interests and sailing interests on Lough Ennell have lived side by side quite happily.

As for the great western lakes, Lough Corrib, Lough Mask, Lough Carra and Lough Conn, while it appears there is enough room for everybody because they are so much bigger than the midland lakes, the problem is that they are very dangerous. Winds blow up very quickly and there are reefs and shallows. One must know where one is going. It is not a question of putting out a boat, whether it be an angling boat, a jet ski or a power boat, and heading off willy-nilly. The Corrib is marked by navigation buoys and people who stay within the navigation channels can be quite safe. There is a large area of very deep water to the north of Inchagill island on Lough Corrib which is fished very little, except on the drop-off ledges for trout. This is a place where these craft could operate safely without affecting the local angling.

There is always the risk of accidents. On Lough Ennell, where jet skis and power boats travel at high speed, I have seen some come very close to drifting lake boats. It is a pity to have to say "I told you so" after an accident. It is reasonable that these measures should empower the local authorities to intervene and create a framework in which the various interests can be accommodated.

There is also the question of life jackets. I was one of those who was critical of the proposal for mandatory life jackets on lake fishing boats on the big western lakes. There was also a requirement for boats to carry a large length of rope, flares and so on. I agree that flares should be available, but some of the regulations had the capacity to clutter a small boat unnecessarily and this could represent a danger in itself. Everyone taking to the water should have a life jacket, whether he is using a jet ski or an angling craft. I note that according to the brochures for angling competitions in the west, it is a requirement that life jackets be worn.

People should be told that the onus is on them to wear life jackets. I would put the onus on the person taking to the craft in the case of angling boats. I am not talking about boats that bring people to islands in Lough Corrib, for example, which is a structured commercial operation. Where someone is going out with a gillie in a boat for the day, the safest thing to do is to take someone who is familiar with the lake. The system that existed until now encouraged people to rent a boat for a day without anyone to guide them. That is undesirable. Given our economic success, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find someone who will take anglers out in groups of two or three, but they provide an essential service and sometimes make all the difference in terms of survival. They must be encouraged through recognition of their activities.

It was unfortunate, not just from the point of view of angling but also for the tourism industry, that several of the large, successful and long-standing fly-fishing competitions on the great western lakes had to be abandoned over the last few years. However, the World Cup on Lough Mask is taking place again during the August bank holiday this year. This is a successful festival,which brings much revenue to the Ballinrobe and Lough Mask areas. Such activities should be encouraged.

We need to seek a balance. I would put the onus firmly on the person going out in a boat to provide him or herself with a life jacket. I have worn a life jacket for many years, and at one time one was almost laughed at for wearing one in a lake boat. One was also laughed at for putting on sunblock. Those days are gone. It is extraordinary how many people now put on sunblock before going out even on quite cloudy days.

This legislation is important. I am glad it has been introduced and I hope it will be successful.