Frustration over abandoned boats at piers and harbours across Waterford

“They’re scattered around and it’s not a very good look during our tourist season and we should have our house in order," Independent councillor Declan Barry said.

Passage East, Waterford (stock image).

A Waterford councillor has raised the issue of boats being abandoned at piers and harbours across county Waterford.

Independent councillor Declan Barry said he has received reports of abandoned boats tied up locally.

“They’re there for ever and ever” he said.

“They are also present on council lands and they’ve been there for years now.

“They’re scattered around and it’s not a very good look during our tourist season and we should have our house in order."

 Waterford Council director of services, Gabriel Hynes, said the council do place notices on abandoned boats that are brought to their attention.

“We will give a period of time to the owner to remove that boat. In the event of that not happening we will remove the boat ourselves and recover our costs. We have done that and we do continue to do that.”

Mr Hynes added: “If you are someone who has boats you’re not using, you should take them away so that people who are using those places on a daily basis can access piers.” 

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme