Access, mooring and passage-making on the Grand & Royal Canals and Barrow Navigation are controlled by means of permits. Bye-law amendments are currently with Waterways Ireland sponsor departments which will enable the organisation to bring in further types of permits and differentiate fees for services provided along the canals.
There are three type of permits in place all with different requirements which enable the boater to suit their own style of boating while remaining within the Bye-laws.
From WI’s website.
Irish waterways history 