Dublin 4 property market to float — with houseboats...
The Docklands Development Authority says the vessels would ‘contribute to life along the water’s edge’...
THE DUBLIN 4 property market could soon get an injection of liquidity. The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) has recommended that houseboats be allowed to moor at Pigeon House Harbour in Ringsend. The DDDA’s draft master plan has advised that houseboats would “contribute to life along the water’s edge” and should be “actively encouraged” to set up at the disused harbour.
The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) has welcomed the proposal, calling for the DDDA to adopt specific policies encouraging the establishment of a “live aboard” community in Dublin 4.
Derek Whelan, a spokesman for the IWAI, said: “The harbour is an ideal location as it’s sheltered and near the city centre.”
Although there are about 10,000 privately owned coastal and inland vessels in Ireland, it is estimated that fewer than 100 people reside on houseboats as the practice is officially discouraged. Waterways Ireland, the body responsible for maintaining the country’s navigable waterways, only allows boats to moor at any one place for five days. The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) can only connect a supply to a houseboat with the permission of Waterways Ireland.
Waterways Ireland discourages houseboats because it is concerned that the growth of live aboard communities could choke the waterways. The DDDA, though, is solely responsible for the development of Dublin’s docklands.
Despite the lack of official support until now, small houseboat communities have grown up in areas such as Hazelhatch, Co Kildare. Waterways Ireland tolerates “live aboards” outside Dublin but enforces regulations rigorously in the capital.
The body said several years ago that it would begin a public consultation process on houseboat-dwelling. It has yet to begin the dialogue.
In the UK and most European countries, a licensing system operates and prospective owners can apply for a mortgage to buy a houseboat with a mooring, which can cost from €30,000 up to €300,000.
Whelan said: “Because the practice is not encouraged, there are limited services available at Irish berths, such as water, electricity and sewage facilities.”
He said that the DDDA should appoint a marina company to “fit out” Pigeon House Harbour and lease berths.
Nick Kelly, whose houseboat is moored at Twelfth Lock near Blanchardstown, said he would move to a berth in Ringsend. “I work in Dundrum, so it would be ideal for me as I could use public transport.”
He has no access to electricity. “I’m planning to get a wind generator,” he said. “If there were proper facilities in the docklands, I'm sure there would be huge interest.”
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The Docklands Development Authority says the vessels would ‘contribute to life along the water’s edge’...
THE DUBLIN 4 property market could soon get an injection of liquidity. The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) has recommended that houseboats be allowed to moor at Pigeon House Harbour in Ringsend. The DDDA’s draft master plan has advised that houseboats would “contribute to life along the water’s edge” and should be “actively encouraged” to set up at the disused harbour.
The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) has welcomed the proposal, calling for the DDDA to adopt specific policies encouraging the establishment of a “live aboard” community in Dublin 4.
Derek Whelan, a spokesman for the IWAI, said: “The harbour is an ideal location as it’s sheltered and near the city centre.”
Although there are about 10,000 privately owned coastal and inland vessels in Ireland, it is estimated that fewer than 100 people reside on houseboats as the practice is officially discouraged. Waterways Ireland, the body responsible for maintaining the country’s navigable waterways, only allows boats to moor at any one place for five days. The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) can only connect a supply to a houseboat with the permission of Waterways Ireland.
Waterways Ireland discourages houseboats because it is concerned that the growth of live aboard communities could choke the waterways. The DDDA, though, is solely responsible for the development of Dublin’s docklands.
Despite the lack of official support until now, small houseboat communities have grown up in areas such as Hazelhatch, Co Kildare. Waterways Ireland tolerates “live aboards” outside Dublin but enforces regulations rigorously in the capital.
The body said several years ago that it would begin a public consultation process on houseboat-dwelling. It has yet to begin the dialogue.
In the UK and most European countries, a licensing system operates and prospective owners can apply for a mortgage to buy a houseboat with a mooring, which can cost from €30,000 up to €300,000.
Whelan said: “Because the practice is not encouraged, there are limited services available at Irish berths, such as water, electricity and sewage facilities.”
He said that the DDDA should appoint a marina company to “fit out” Pigeon House Harbour and lease berths.
Nick Kelly, whose houseboat is moored at Twelfth Lock near Blanchardstown, said he would move to a berth in Ringsend. “I work in Dundrum, so it would be ideal for me as I could use public transport.”
He has no access to electricity. “I’m planning to get a wind generator,” he said. “If there were proper facilities in the docklands, I'm sure there would be huge interest.”
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