Harbour Bye-Laws

Monday 25 January 2010

Members of the RDCA Committee met at the end of November with Richard Lewis (Chief Executive of Moyle District Council) Aidan McPeake (Head of Technical Services, MDC) and Mike Thompson (Department of Regional Development) regarding the proposed bye-laws for Rathlin Harbour.

MDC stressed that the bye-laws are not intended to limit residents’ use of the harbour area.

Swimming from the beach will not be restricted. MDC propose to erect signs at the end of the Quay to warn boat users to be aware of swimmers in this area. Other signs would draw attention to speed limits in the harbour area as well as making a general disclaimer, requesting careful pedestrian movement in, and respect for, a working harbour.

The working nature of the harbour is recognised and there is no intention to impede or curtail current use as long as piers are kept in a practical and tidy order.

Boat maintenance is not restricted and ‘hot work’ on the harbour side can be granted a ‘one-off’ permission through a written format that the Council will produce. It would not be necessary to renew this permission once on file. MDC may request assurance that boats left on slipways are the sole responsibility of the owners and have suitable insurance cover.

The bye-laws and their implementation, if approved, will be reviewed with RDCA in six months, or before if necessary. These proposals were presented to Council on 14th December 2009 and have since been sent to the Department for Regional Development for approval.