New legislation to control use of jet-skis in Irish inland and coastal waters is to be brought before Cabinet today by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Dermot Ahern.
The Maritime Safety Bill 2004 will strengthen the existing regulatory situation, and will involve on-the-spot fines and penalties of up to €2,000 on summary conviction for improper use of jet-skis.
Currently, the use of jet-skis varies under by-laws introduced by local authorities. The legislation will co-ordinate regulations under powers given to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and to CIÉ, as the owner of Rosslare Harbour.
The Bill provides for forfeiture of craft and disqualification from use for offenders. The Minister has engaged the services of the Irish Coast Guard in monitoring the new legislation, which will be up to the Gardaí to implement.
