Longford County Council: Casey slams ‘absolutely ridiculous’ Shannon bye laws

Waterways Ireland and senior government chiefs are coming under fire over proposed new bye-laws for the Shannon catchment area.

Independent Cllr Mark Casey described the mooted measures which could see the reduction of mooring times from five to three days, the displacement of winter mooring and imposition of a tax on all business operating on the Shannon as “absolutely ridiculous”.

Speaking at last week's meeting of Longford County Council, Cllr Casey said there was also an onus on Minister of State Malcolm Noonan to intervene.

“The new bye-laws would reduce mooring times from five to three days, remove winter mooring, impose a tax on all business operating on the Shannon, all of which puts the upper Shannon region and its waterways at a disadvantage to attract boaters and visitors.

"These bye-laws will reduce both overnight stays and visitors and will have a detrimental effect on Lanesborough/Newtowncashel and its surrounding areas,” he said.