John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive answer. I urge him, however, to use his influence and good offices as the Minister with line responsibility in this area - I know that he has a strong interest in heritage and tourism - to urge Waterways Ireland to extend the consultation period. What harm or hurt could come from that? Some 21 days is not sufficient. There is too much at stake. There is an element within the proposed by-laws of over-bureaucracy and bureaucracy gone mad. We should be encouraging people and voluntary organisations such as inland waterways associations to use the canals, to develop them for the benefit of local communities, for leisure craft users and to develop tourism. A period of 21 days is far too short and I urge the Minister to meet me half-way on this, to use his good offices and influence to have this period extended so that some outstanding areas of concern can be addressed in a constructive manner to everyone's benefit.