Guidelines to be published on use of boats as permanent homes

Waterways Ireland, the north-south body charged with management of inland waterways, plans to publish draft guidelines early next year on the use of boats as permanent homes.

The regulating body said it had established an internal policy unit to investigate and make recommendations on the issue of houseboats, which are currently illegal in the Republic.

The move follows a reported increase in the use of such homes, demand for which has been driven "principally due to the increase in price experienced in the housing market", according to Waterways Ireland.

It added: "The subject of permanent homes on the waterways leads to a myriad of related issues which need to be addressed including safety, access, pollution, obstruction of the navigation and lack of services and facilities.

"Due to the piece-meal and ad hoc nature of the growth of houseboats on the system and the consequent issues it raises, Waterways Ireland has set about developing a draft policy specifically aimed at its active management and regulation."

The body, which was established in 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement, said it had established two separate policy units, one to examine the issue of houseboats, and the other on-shore facilities for all waterway users.

The work of both units was "nearing completion", the body said, adding that it expected to begin a public consultation process on its draft policies with stakeholders early next year.

"Once that process is completed Waterways Ireland will than implement, monitor and police the recommendations as adopted."

Under existing law, boats in the Republic have to move on after five days in contrast to the UK where British Waterways licenses houseboats.

The proliferation of houseboats has been facilitated by non-enforcement of the law, which Waterways Ireland has blamed partly on the absence of an inspector of navigation for canals.

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, which represents boat owners, has called for the decriminalisation of houseboats, and the development of proper infrastructure to facilitate their use.