Sir, – The increase in the licence fee proposed by Waterways Ireland, from €126 up to a possible €3,600 in one year (outlined in the new Draft Canals Act, 1986 [Amendment] Bye-Laws, 2014) cannot be justified. This level of increase would not be accepted by any other group of people in Ireland. Even though to boaters this increase is large, the amount of money that will be received by Waterways Ireland from these licences is very small compared to its yearly budget.
This action will drive boats off the canals; and locally businesses in areas that rely on boaters and visitors will see their income fall and jobs will be at risk. Bars and hotels on the canals benefit not just what from the boaters spend but also from visitors to their premises because of the presence of the boats. Waterways Ireland should be doing more with Fáilte Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to promote the recreational use of the canals and their potential business opportunities. I am in favour of paying a reasonable licence fee, but this should be for a service – which is not currently provided or proposed.
I object to this consultation process being organised by the same company that intends to charge us these outrageous new fees. So I ask for an independent group, such as the one set up to decide on the current pylon dispute. This would need to include all stakeholders.
I have been a canal boat owner for six years and a boater for more than 30 years. The canals and rivers of Ireland can only prosper if all users are properly consulted and respected. – Yours, etc,
NICK KELLY,
Rushbrook,
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.