The Government is to regulate water-based outdoor adventure centres following a Fine Gael Private Member's Bill.
Presented by Mr Michael Finucane in the Dail last week, the Bill sought to regulate and license outdoor adventure centres. The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, has promised to draft legislation before the summer recess.
The move comes four years after two young canoeists died off Dunmore East. Mr Michael Davies, the father of one of the victims, has lobbied for Government action to prevent a similar accident. Mr Finucane said he had been motivated by his talks with Mr Davies.
The legislation may prove controversial, unless it is underpinned with adequate resources. At the time of the accident, the then minister for the marine, the late Hugh Coveney, argued that voluntary codes of practice existed within the adventure sports sector, where the Association of Adventure Sports oversees a high standard of training for instructors. Legislation is also perceived to be in conflict with the very nature of adventure sports.
The Minister has established an interdepartmental working group, with a deadline to report by June.
In the Dail last week the Minister said the Royal National LifeBoat Institution (RNLI) proposed to institute a "sea check" scheme that is regarded as having contributed to safety in watersports in Britain. Voluntary experts will be stationed at slipways and access points around the coast during the high season to advise people involved in marine leisure of the safety requirements.
