Demand for houseboat living on the canals has increased in recent years with up to 500 liveaboards in Ireland

However, there are only 28 residential permits available in Ireland.

In recent months Waterways Ireland sent out notices warning boats without a valid permit could be lifted from the canal.

Henry McKean has been chatting to the liveaboard community on the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal.

Waterways Ireland say: "Waterways Ireland has been undertaking a programme of regularisation along the canals removing sunken, abandoned and derelict boats. The programme focused on non-liveaboard boats and it sought to improve compliance by ensuring all boats have a basic permit. A permit indicates the boat is insured and it means that the owner is taking responsibility for their vessel. Experience shows that vessels with no permit are generally in poor condition, abandoned, and frequently sink as they fill with rain water over the winter time. The owners frequently disown their sunken vessels. This programme is almost complete and compliance with our licensing system along the canals is now over 85%. In relation to liveaboards John Mc Donagh, Waterways Ireland Acting Chief Executive, said they have been meeting people and won’t evict or lift any liveaboards “unilaterally” and there will be further engagement and public consultation on their future plans.” End of statement.