Jet ski users causing difficulties to rowers and boat operators on Lough Gill, meeting told

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A motion submitted by Cllr Declan Bree before the November monthly meeting of Sligo County Council sought clarification in relation to draft bye-laws to regulate the operation of craft, particularly jet skis, on the Garavogue River and Lough Gill.

Cllr Declan Bree explained, “Before the local elections the Council agreed that draft bye-laws should be drawn up so as to control the use of jet skis on the Garavogue River and Lough Gill.

“We were advised at the time that a first draft would initially be submitted to the relevant Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) for consideration. However, given the significant delay in SPC’s being established nationwide I understand the delay in this matter being progressed.

“In recent years, particularly with the growing interest in rowing and the development of the Sligo Rowing Club, there has been a significant increase in people using the river for recreational purposes, not only for rowing but also for paddle boarding.

"However it was brought to our attention that a small number of jet ski users and power boat operators use the river without any regard to the safety of other users.

“The turbulence and waves produced by these jet skis create significant difficulties for boat users and rowers and on occasions have posed a danger to all those who use the river.

“On a number of occasions while beginners were rowing, jet skis created waves causing water to come over the side of the boats."

Cllr Bree expressed the belief that jet ski users who use the water responsibly can be accommodated adding, “I was recently advised by the Director of Services, Mr Molloy, that work had commenced on drafting the bye-laws and that it was hoped that the draft would be presented to the SPC 2 - the Climate & Environment SPC in early 2026.

“The draft would then have to go out for public consultation so as to allow all river and lake users the opportunity to have their input before any final decision would be taken. I was also advised that it was expected that bye-laws would cover all inland waterways including Lough Gill, Glencar, and the Garavogue and Ballisodare rivers.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Gino O’Boyle while Cllr Thomas Walsh noted, “It is important to state that there is a very small minority that is causing the problems. Everybody has a part to play in the river and its safety.”

Cllr Walsh added, “It would make you ask the question, who is going to enforce this? If we had dealt with one or two problem issues then we wouldn’t have to have bye-laws. I am not convinced this is the right approach, shouldn’t the objective be to deal with them?”

Cllr Tom MacSharry commented, “A number of people were abusing what is one of the most wonderful natural amenities. A few people came down and caused havoc with jet skis.”

Cllr Fergal Nealon called on all interested parties to come together saying, “I agree with Cllr Walsh, it is going to be very hard to regulate. Every good socialist in the room knows nobody owns the lake. Everybody needs to come together, the lake is wide enough.”

Cllr Arthur Gibbons spoke out in favour of the motion saying, “Any 16 or 17 year can get on a jet ski and go as fast as any motorcycle with no licence, insurance or tax. When you see them you have to stay as far away as possible. Who is going to enforce it; if the bye-laws are in place, you can call An Garda Siochana.”

Cllr Bree concluded the discussion saying, “There is no reason why all stakeholders can’t come together.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.