Closure of the Shannon navigation and a shut-down for freshwater sailing clubs may be the next step in combating the threat of the spread of foot-and-mouth disease according to a warning from Waterways Ireland to 6,000 boating enthusiasts on the Shannon.
The possible move is similar to one already carried out in England this week with serious implications for British leisure boaters. British Waterways (BW) has closed access to all its waterways to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Shannon boat owners have been strongly advised by the waterway authority to minimise the use of the navigation.
"I would say in two months we'll have bankrupt hire fleets on our hands," said Sarah-Jane Page, chairwoman of the British Association of Pleasure Craft Operators (APCO).
It is a point echoed by Irish Boat Rental Association spokesman, Derek Dann: "Boat hire is already a fragile industry. If it was closed for any significant period - without compensation - I could see firms going out of business."
The season at Iniscealtra Sailing Club based at Mountshannon on the Clare-side of Lough Derg starts on April 1st and commodore Brian Griffin makes the point that most of the club activities are localised.
"I would be surprised if they took that measure because with racing we start and return from the same place. When the tourist season gets underway there would be more movement along the navigation but in our case it's only local," he said. Meanwhile, the Irish Marine Federation is counting the cost of the postponement of this week's national boat show at the RDS.
Over 100 exhibitors were affected as organisers halted the show in the face of the crisis. A new date for the postponed show has yet to be released.
Abroad, Waterford harbour's Brendan Darrer takes his place as mast man on board Barlo Plastics sponsored IC 45 skippered by Adrian Stead and helmed by Olympic Gold Medallist Ben Ainslie for the overall series victory in the class winter series this weekend at Club de Regattas Puerto Portals in Majorca.
On the south coast, a waiting list to compete in this year's Sovereigns cup is now a real possibility following confirmation that hosts Kinsale Yacht Club will cap entries to limit the fleet to 100 boats.
