This page will bring updates on laws in relation to diving or snorkelling. If you think a law should be displyed here please email is at info@diving.ie.

SKIN-DIVING FOR SHELLFISH BYE-LAW No. 533

[EXPAND Click to expand!]The skin-diving for shellfish bye-law no. 533 of 1966 was the subject of a written question and answer in Dáil Éireann on 18 February 2014 (see http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/ dail2014021800068). The result of this exchange is below:

Q) 471. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his interpretation of by-law 533 of the 1966 Fisheries Act as it relates to snorkelling for shellfish when snorkelling is permitted; the conditions or restrictions that apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A) Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Fergus O’Dowd): The enforcement of bye law 533 of 1966 is exercised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). I am advised by IFI that, on an operational basis, the bye-law is construed as prohibiting snorkelling to target shellfish. Interpretation of the bye law would be a matter for the Courts.

Shellfish Byelaw No. 533 of 1966

[/EXPAND]