Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Whelan made the point about the infrastructure deficit. Deputy Buckley has got clarification on his point.

Mr. Finnegan asked a question on the process going forward. The public consultation will complete on 26 February. I presume Waterways Ireland will then consider all the submissions and engagement it has had with local authorities and other members and then will produce a set of draft by-laws for the Minister. The Minister will then consider them. This committee will write to the Minister to ask what the process and timeline are, as well as to find out where responsibilities lie. I do not believe the committee has a role in the consideration of by-laws for Waterways Ireland. It does on planning by-laws but not for Waterways Ireland. That is my understanding but the committee will get clarification for Mr. Finnegan and will write to him on this matter.