Shannon Business Owners Protest Proposed Waterway Charges: 'We'll Pay for Locks, But Rivers Must Run Free'

A petition by over 100 Shannon-side business owners opposes proposed annual charges for users of inland waterways, citing concerns about the impact of the charges on the tourism and hospitality industries. The businesses are worried that the charges could destroy an industry already in decline, and are calling on Minister for Local Government James Browne not to ratify the proposed charges without an independent economic study. Waterways Ireland initially proposed flat registration charges of €200 for boats using the Shannon Navigation and permit charges of €200 on the Royal and Grand canals. The authority also suggested a €40 charge for a 60-day licence and a €300 winter-mooring charge.