Anglers take strong line against new boat charges

ANGLERS warned yesterday they will fight any new annual registration and licence fee amid fears new charges were being considered as part of the updating of by-laws on the country’s inland waterways.

Members of a major navigation group on the Shannon say they have been told by senior officials from Waterways Ireland that they are considering an annual registration and license levy to raise independent funding.

It is understood that Waterways Ireland will include the registration and licence fee in new by-laws which are being drawn up for the entire country. At present the different inland waterways have their own by-laws. There is a registration requirement for boats but no fee.