Jet-skiers warned off Liffey

Thrill-seekers planning to jet-ski on Dublin’s River Liffey have been warned off by the authorities.

The move follows sightings of high-speed skiers on the river during the St Patrick's Day weekend.

But their activities were not part of the official celebrations, and the Dublin Port Company has now warned that the sport is against the law.

A spokesman said: ‘‘The use of jet-skis on the Liffey is forbidden under the Irish Harbours Act (1996). Penalties include fines of more than €1,900 and up to a year in prison.’’

The company also warned that the Gardai’s water unit regularly patrols the river to ensure that regulations were not infringed.

Efforts have already been made this year to tighten up on the use of high-speed craft on the Liffey.

The owners of jet-skis and power-propelled small boats have been told that they are liable to prosecution if they do not stick to the rules.

An official notice declared: ‘‘Water-skiing or aquaplaning behind speedboats or fast jet-skiing is entirely prohibited when within 200 metres of any public beach, bathing place or residential property within the jurisdiction of the Dublin Port Company.’’

The company spokesman said anyone seeing illicit skiers on the Liffey should report the incidents to the authorities.