Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to keep the focus on these local authorities. There are 17 local authorities in question but Mr. Rowe has not explained to this committee, to any great extent, what that level of engagement was. Did Waterways Ireland engage actively with all 17? I get a sense it did not. Mr. Rowe mentioned counties Offaly and Tipperary and approximately four local authorities but perhaps he can touch on the local authorities again. Were the local authorities simply not interested? Is that what Waterways Ireland took from this? Were they interested? What are the key issues of concern these local authorities have? I am particularly interested in the views of the elected members, as they are elected and on the ground. That is subsidiarity; they are working with communities. I started by saying that these are living communities; people are living on these boats, be that in a full-time or part-time capacity. We have talked about communities at different sizes and levels, the equality of communities and the opportunities for them, as well as acknowledging differences and choices within communities. That all must be part of the narrative when this issue is discussed at this committee. Can I tease out-----