John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone for being here and engaging in good faith with the committee. We appreciate that everyone has taken on board suggestions the committee made at the last hearing before Christmas. I acknowledge that Waterways Ireland extended the consultation process considerably as part of this process and took on board suggestions on the engagement. That is evidenced by the number of submissions it has got back. Clearly, there has been a more robust and in-depth consultation, which is absolutely to be welcomed.

Mr. Gleeson and Mr. Galway will recall that the last time I questioned them at the committee I said it would be helpful if a suggested fee structure were put forward, and that is welcome. As regards the submission from the Grand Canal Dock community, the fee structure that has been proposed is definitely helpful. I know that Mr. Rowe said there was a 20% differential. It is a 25% differential between them in respect of year one. At the time of our last meeting I said there is always a middle point to be struck on this. The witnesses have put forward a reasonable proposal. I acknowledge that phase 2 has seen a reduction from Waterways Ireland. A meeting in the middle, I would suggest, might be desirable. What I do not accept is the increase from €4,000 to €7,500. That is too steep a climb. I think we can find a resolution there in the €2,000 versus the €1,500 in respect of the suburban serviced and a middle ground between the €1,000 and the €750 in respect of the suburban unserviced. We could probably even find a middle ground between the €4,000 and the €3,000. However, trying to find a middle ground between €4,000 and €7,500 will definitely be too much of a stretch. I suggest to the witnesses that, in terms of any increases in fee structures, they potentially look at the caps that are in place in respect of residential rent whereby there is a 2% increase in line with the CPI going forward from what would be a base structure that would be put in place. I do not know if anyone wants to comment on that. I am trying to be helpful rather than interrogating the witnesses in my questioning. The last time I invited them to do X, Y and Z, and all parties seem to have done that, so I commend them in that respect.