COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

MOTION NO.2

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

That this Council writes to Waterways Ireland regarding a number of boats that appear to be abandoned along the Grand Canal between the 12th Lock and the Hazelhatch Bridge heading towards Kildare. Since the opening of the 12th Lock greenway and canal walkway the area has seen a significant increase in users including cyclists, walkers, runners, families and children. While this investment has created a very positive recreational amenity it has been noted that several boats along this stretch appear to have been left unattended for some time. Unlike abandoned vehicles on roads which can be removed under the Litter Warden Act there does not appear to be a clear public process for dealing with abandoned boats. Accordingly, the Council should request that Waterways Ireland outline the current procedure for identifying and removing abandoned boats and confirm whether there are any plans to address the boats currently located along this section of the canal in order to protect the visual amenity of this well-used recreational route. In addition, given the significant increase in public use of this section of the canal since the walkway opened the Council should also ask whether Waterways Ireland has carried out a recent audit of the lifebuoys along this stretch and whether additional lifebuoys are planned as it appears more may now be required for safety purposes.

REPORT:

If this Motion is passed a letter will be sent to Waterways Ireland in this regard.