At a recent Irish Water Safety Officers Conference held in Ballinasloe Co. Galway ISA managment gave a presentation on Managing Boating into the future.

Water Safety Officers fron the various Local Authorities were present, Harry Harmon CEO of the ISA gave an opening address, In his address he explained the need for  National guidelines in the managment of Boating into the future. This was followed up by a presentation given by Denis Dillon Motorboat Development Officer for the ISA. In this presentation the policy of bans on fast powerboats was a major issue. On this issue the ISA belives that the present policy of bans is flawed and put forward a series of options. These options allowed for a more open managment scheme that would take into account the needs of all stakeholders, through a series of clubs and open consultation a code of practice could be introduced into an area. A lively Q & A session followed.

Because of bye laws being introduced by Local Authorities on a monthly basis, the ISA has contacted all the Local Authorities and sent a letter on behalf of all boaters. This will be followed up by a conference later on in the summer. The theme of this conference will be " National Guidelines for Managing Boating "

As the National Body for boating in Ireland the ISA is taking the threat to the use of fast powerboats and PWC's very serious. Through your help and the estabilishment of new clubs the ISA will be able to put your views forward to the law makers.