Frustration over boats ‘being abandoned’ for years in Waterford harbours

A local councillor has expressed frustration over the number of boats that are “being abandoned” in Waterford harbours.

Independent councillor Declan Barry spoke on the subject at the July plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Barry said: “I’ve got reports of boats basically being abandoned, tied up in small fishing ports that are there forever and ever.

“How do we move on or how do we get some movement there?

“They’re also on council property or council land and they’ve been there literally for years now and they’re all scattered around. It’s not a very good look.

READ NEXT: Call to prioritise Waterford projects which could be ‘transformative’ for South East

“It’s the main tourist season now, they’re coming into the place and we should have our house in order.”

He concluded by saying he would like to get an update on the status of the boats.

In response to Cllr Barry, Director of Services Gabriel Hynes said that the council has the powers to remove such boats.

Mr Hynes stated: “If we have abandoned boats that are there for a period of time at our piers and harbours, bring them to our attention.

“We will place a notice on the boat, with a period of time for the owner to remove that boat and in the event of that not happening, we can remove the boat ourselves and they will cover our costs.

“We have done that and we will continue to do that so if you have locations, I want you to bring them to our attention.”

He concluded by asking boatowners who are not using their boats on a regular basis to remove them so that others can access local piers and harbours.