Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 466: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department has plans to restrict the use of high powered outboards on lakes in the north east region (details supplied) for the safety of bathers and other water users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11514/07]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Maritime Safety Act 2005 local authorities have been given the powers to regulate and control fast powered craft in their functional areas.

The legal framework to regulate fast powered craft, 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 by-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 by-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 by-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.