Instead of an outright prohibition, members of a special council committee have proposed a voluntary regulation system. The scheme, which will be reviewed at the end of next summer, will encourage jet ski users to join clubs backed by the Irish Sailing Association (ISA), who favour rigorous training, registration and communication with other interest groups, like anglers.

It’s hoped that as well as reducing any potentially negative effects of jet ski use - particularly on sensitive lakes - Mayo will be able to enjoy the huge economic benefits of a sector where international competitive events are on the increase.

The draft bye-laws put forward by the council for consideration would have ruled out any of the money-spinning benefits of power boat racing, which can bring up to •2m to coastal areas in one weekend.

The council’s Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on culture and heritage was given the task of considering the regulation of jet skis on Mayo waterways following a call by the coroner for South Mayo. A huge number of submissions were received during the public consultation phase, and at one point a ban on jet skis was considered.

Last week, the SPC heard a presentation from Dennis Dillion of the ISA which has been proactively setting up clubs all over the country for water sports enthusiasts. There were none in Mayo up to this year, and now there are active clubs, especially in Achill and Claremorris. Mr Dillon said that Mayo is already leading the way in the control of jet skis, with a number of experts gathering in Rossmoney to draw up training guidelines that will be rolled out by the ISA nationwide.

The ISA development officer noted that in counties which brought in a jet ski ban, enthusiasts went to other areas. While the problem aspects were eliminated, the possible tourism benefits of responsible use were lost. Mr Dillion pointed out that noise was less of a problem in modern jet skis, and that communication was key to allowing anglers to enjoy fishing without disturbance. He said the ISA was encouraging club members to share information with anglers, so that disturbances could be kept to a minimum in the May Fly season. He added that in his native Clare, club members made sure that jet ski users complied with local rules, and - where necessary - alerted Gardai.

A system of zoning at off-shore locations and lakes was also proposed as a means to keeping all water users happy.

The economic benefits from the jet ski sector were outlined, with Mr Dillon saying he was currently looking for locations for a major European power boat event.

“Power boat and jet ski use is a small, but growing sector, and people from all over are mad to come to the west of Ireland. Next year, the ISA will be involved in four major events and we have requests in for two more.”

A rescue jet ski service is also being considered for use in beach rescues and by the coast guard.

“They’re not just play things for rich people,” remarked Mr Dillon.

Commenting on the ISA presentation, Cllr Peter Flynn cautioned against a “knee-jerk reaction” to ban jet skis, and urged that the economic potential be considered.

Cllr Pat McHugh said that up to the ISA presentation, his idea of jet skis had been “hay wire and cock-eyed”. He was told that on the issue of environmental impact, certain lakes were more sensitve that others, due to the risk of contamination by zebra mussels, but that in other cases, jet skis provided a means of aerating the water.

Cllr Jimmy Maloney said he had tried out a jet ski and found it “the finest sport”. He said they weren’t just for the wealthy and suggested that the fisheries boards could have a role in ensuring jet skis were washed down before going out on lakes.

SPC chairman Cllr Paddy McGuin-ness said there seemed to be big differences between using jet skis on the sea and on lakes. He noted that anglers could be particularly affected by jet skis, but suggested that the voluntary code, as outlined by Mr Dillon, might be given a trial run.

Director of services Joe Loftus described the ISA presentation as “very enlightening”. His advice was that a system involving voluntary management, greater education and permits be considered. He suggested the bye-laws might be deferred to give the system a chance to work.

Water safety officer Michael Gavin said Rossmoney and Old Head were the two most popular venues for water sports, and that jet skis were “not a huge problem”.

Mr Dillion assured councillors that a third of jet ski training programmes concerned responsible behaviour on the water.

“There are basic rules. You don’t buzz anglers for the fun of it, or birds. You don’t follow dolphins,” he said.

Cllr McGuinness said the SPC would now recommend that the council defer the bye-laws for a year to give self-regulation a chance.

“We should also look at the economic benefits of developing the sport, we are already doing it with walking,” he remarked.

Mr Loftus said “a fantastic job” had been done by Mr Gavin and the SPC. He said all those who made submissions would be contacted and updated.

“There will be ongoing monitoring and work by the ISA,” Mr Dillon said. “We hope what is developed in Mayo will be a model for the entire country.”

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