James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine when he will bring forward legislation with regard to the regulation of the use of powerboats and jet skis on lakes here in the interest of the safety of all lake users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19819/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Maritime Safety Act 2005 local authorities, harbour authorities and Waterways Ireland have been given the powers to introduce bye laws to regulate and control fast powered craft, including jet skis, in waters under their control or management or in their functional area. 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.

Under the Maritime Safety Act 2005 the prohibition or restriction of specified craft may 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.

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 guidelines issued by the Maritime Safety Directorate of my Department and consulting with interested parties.