There is a notable increase in leisure craft on the water all around the coast.
Several incidents have been reported of users not adhering to harbour safety regulations, and Cork County Council's Senior Harbour Master has issued a warning that there can be fines of up to €5,000 for breaking the rules.
"The Cork coast is a great resource, however sharing it safely requires strict adherence to rules by all involved," says Julian Renault, "for the sake of all onboard craft and for all water users."
He has called on all boat users to observe speed restrictions and safety and cites a series of incidents in Kinsale Harbour.
"14 vessels were found in excess of the 5 knots speed limit in the inner harbour. Three were asked to reduce speed in order to minimise their wash, and one 16-footer speedboat was found with the crew not wearing lifejackets. The consequences of incidents like this can range from inconvenience and annoyance to other harbour users to tragedy. The Irish coast can be a dangerous place, especially when people decide to take unnecessary risks."
My Podcast guest this week is Quentin Ryder, Kinsale Harbour Master, who has been leading the Council's campaign for more awareness of safety issues and has carried out safety patrols in the harbour. We discussed the issues in Kinsale, as well as the national context, reflected in the Department of Transport's issuing of Marine Notice No.14 'Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft.' He told me that the main concern is the safety of port users, but this is wider than just a local situation:
Listen to the interview with Kinsale Harbour Master here.
Cork County Council has published information on speed limits in Council-controlled harbours and safety regulations on its website: www.corkcoco.ie
