'I could be homeless': The realities of life in a houseboat and the fear of proposed mooring hikes

Communities of houseboat owners, or ‘liveaboards’, who have called the vessels home for decades will soon be unable to afford to pay new mooring permit fees proposed by the inland waterways governing body

Ray Ledder on his houseboat near Sallins, Co KIldare. Photo: Moya Nolan

At 78, Ray Ledder thought his days of making waves were long over. After a career spent working on ships, he’s been enjoying his golden years on board his beloved Celtic Count barge in the rustic village of Sallins, Co Kildare, for the past 24 years or so.

Or at least he had been.