Waterways Ireland said it had spent considerable resources trying to trace owners to take responsibility for their boats. Photograph: Tom HonanMore than €110,000 has been spent removing abandoned boats from canals, lakes and rivers countrywide over the past three years. Abandoned boats can pose hazards for other users of rivers and canals if they sink, drift or obstruct navigation channels. Waterways Ireland said it had legal responsibility to ensure boats were not left abandoned on waters under its remit. “Waterways Ireland encourages responsible boat ownership through vessel registration and tracks the transfer of vessel ownership,” said the spokesperson.

Source: The Irish Times March 17, 2026 11:45 UTC