Houseboat residents on Grand Canal in Offaly could face staggering 800pc fee increase

Traditional houseboat dwellers on the Grand Canal in Offaly and the Royal Canal in neighbouring counties could see annual permit  fees increase by a staggering 800% under new proposals from Waterways Ireland. 

A permit is required for boats using the canal and is similar to road vehicle tax.   

The proposals are contained in a planned revision of the Canal Byelaws that is currently out to public consultation.

Increases of 2000% are planned for Dublin-based houseboat residents who have been living in Ringsend Basin for the past decade.

Since the start of the housing crisis more people have opted to live on a barge as an affordable housing solution, with established communities like Sallins growing from 15 houseboats ten years ago to 45 today. 

But according to the Irish Residential Boat Owners Association (IRBOA), Waterways Ireland have been doing everything they can to stop the growth of houseboat communities in recent years.

In addition to the massive fee increases Waterways Ireland are also seeking the power to issue fines to the boating communities, walkers, cyclists, or anyone that uses what they regard as their property. People who receive the new fixed penalty fine of €150 will have no right of appeal other than the District Courts. 

IRBOA spokesperson Jer Gleeson said: “At a time of housing and cost of living crises it is unbelievable that a government funded agency intends to introduce bye-laws and increased charges that will undoubtedly drive some in our community into homelessness.”

IRBOA is calling on all elected representatives to reject these proposed new Byelaws when they are presented to Government Ministers for approval in October.