DBA Forum (WGBAI) - Andy Soper
2014-02-01 15:49:00 UTC
At the request of Michael Miller and IWAI I have responded to the Waterways Ireland consultation on proposed chamges to their bye-laws which will result in signifiacnt charge increases and also limit the duration that you may moor in one place.
'I write as Chairman of DBA-The Barge Association. This is a an
International English speaking club for owners of inland waterway
craft, principally heavy displacement steel hulled and used on the
waterways of Europe for recreation or residence. We some 1500 members
worldwide and although only 31 are resident in Ireland a number ofour
members have taken their craft across to Ireland (by sea or by lorry!)
to enjoy exploring your country by water. Many more of us have
visited and hired craft - in my case on the Shannon-Erne - and all who
have done so have enjoyed their time and found waterway travel to be a
most appropriate way to enjoy and explore your country.
Your waterways are one of your national treasures and we are concerned
that some of your proposed bye-laws will have the inadvertent effect
of reducing their tourist attraction, rather than enhancing it, as we
believe is your intention.'
I have attached the consultation response to the forum post for those who wish to read
the full response.
'I write as Chairman of DBA-The Barge Association. This is a an
International English speaking club for owners of inland waterway
craft, principally heavy displacement steel hulled and used on the
waterways of Europe for recreation or residence. We some 1500 members
worldwide and although only 31 are resident in Ireland a number ofour
members have taken their craft across to Ireland (by sea or by lorry!)
to enjoy exploring your country by water. Many more of us have
visited and hired craft - in my case on the Shannon-Erne - and all who
have done so have enjoyed their time and found waterway travel to be a
most appropriate way to enjoy and explore your country.
Your waterways are one of your national treasures and we are concerned
that some of your proposed bye-laws will have the inadvertent effect
of reducing their tourist attraction, rather than enhancing it, as we
believe is your intention.'
I have attached the consultation response to the forum post for those who wish to read
the full response.