Waterways Ireland has confirmed that it has initiated a programme of inspections to ascertain whether cruise boat companies which use Ireland's waterways are complying with bylaws which prohibit the dumping of toilet waste into our canals, rivers and lakes.
The move follows recent claims that a leading Irish cruise boat company told a customer to dump the contents of their on board toilet into the river Shannon. Waterways Ireland has also said that this is the first complaint of its kind it has received but that it immediately launched an investigation into the allegations. Clare County Council has also initiated an inquiry into the claims.
A representative of Waterways Ireland said, "The complaint which has been so extensively highlighted in recent times was the first of its kind to come to Waterways Ireland's notice and an investigation was initiated immediately.
In addition, Waterways Ireland has instigated a phased programme of inspection of vessels to ascertain the extent of non-compliance with the bylaws. As with any of its customers found in breach of the bylaws, Waterways Ireland will endeavour to work with the customer to rectify any issues."
"There is an obligation on every boat user to obey the bylaws. In registering a vessel, the applicant gives a commitment that the vessel in question complies with the bylaws. Within the provisions of Waterways Ireland's bylaws, cruiser hire companies are not obliged to provide their own pump out facilities," the organisation said.
According to the Shannon Navigation Bylaws of 1994, "A toilet fitted to a vessel shall be so constructed and fitted as to prevent polluting matter from being discharged or passing into the navigation".
"Waterways Ireland provides pump out facilities at some locations along the Shannon, others are provided and maintained by the relevant local authorities at other sites along the river. To date, Waterways Ireland has provided pump outs at six sites along the Shannon-Erne Waterway and at Boyle, Ballyleague and Portrunny in Co Roscommon and Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, while commissioning is awaited on a new pump out at Garrykennedy, Co Tipperary. Local authorities have provided further pump out at nine other locations along the Shannon."
However, Waterways Ireland has said it would not necessarily prosecute the company at the centre of these allegations.
The spokesman said, "If a customer is found to have breached the bylaws, Waterways Ireland would make contact with the customer to advise of the breach and the requirements of the bylaws.
"If the person rectifies the situation, Waterways Ireland would deem the matter settled. If the situation isn't rectified then Waterways Ireland would consider taking the matter further as allowed for under the bylaws."