Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 463: To ask the Minister for Transport the position in relation to bringing proposals forward to assist local authorities in adopting regulations on the operation of jet skis within their jurisdiction in which such controls are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4790/07]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The legal framework to regulate fast powered craft including jet skis, provided for in the Maritime Safety Act 2005 arose from the Report of the Action Group on Small Powered Recreational Craft (including personal watercraft) in 2000 which concluded that the primary public policy response to regulating such craft should be the use of local bye-laws.

Conditions and issues vary in different parts of the country and it makes sense that those closest to the issues and with local knowledge should regulate for the particular circumstances.

Section 6 of the Maritime Safety Act 2005, provides that bye-laws may be made regulating or controlling the operation of specified craft, including jet skis, by Local Authorities, harbour authorities and Waterways Ireland in waters under their control or management or in their functional area. The prohibition or restriction of such craft will be for the purposes of safety to persons, prevention of nuisance or injury, damage to watercraft or property and to protect national heritage areas and protected monuments.

The Maritime Safety Directorate (MSD) of my Department has prepared and issued guidelines to the relevant authorities on the powers available to them to regulate craft under the 2005 Act. These guidelines assist them on issues relating to the design, implementation and management of bye-laws. It is a matter for individual bye-law making authorities to assess the particular circumstances in their area and decide the appropriate response, having regard to the guidelines issued by the MSD and consulting with interested parties.