Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he will take to prevent the eviction of residents by Waterways Ireland from Lowtown Marina near Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16675/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the issue referred to relates to operational day-to-day matters for Waterways Ireland (WI) and is one for which I have no direct responsibility. On foot of the Deputy's Question, however, I have been informed by WI that for some time it has been endeavouring to regularise the ownership and lease arrangements at Lowtown Marina and that, following lengthy negotiations, it is in the process of recovering the property. WI advises that part of that recovery will be to restore the public right of way over the towpath and to remove any unauthorised developments attaching to the marina, especially those which present health and safety risks. I am advised also that certain remedial works are considered necessary, following inspections by WI's safety advisor, and that these works require the removal of craft moored at the locations in question.

I understand from WI that affected persons living on board craft moored at Lowtown Marina have already been advised to contact WI's Inspectorate in regard to alternative locations. I am informed that, ultimately, WI intends to re-develop the area in question and is presently examining possibilities for the site, including the installation of serviced berths for houseboats. Any such plans will, however, be contingent on available resources and planning permission.