Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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17. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he is aware of disquiet amongst Royal and Grand Canal boat dwellers who are likely to be affected by proposed new by-laws; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such dwellers agree with the need for regulation but are concerned at the extent to which their way of life for many years is likely to be affected; if he has had discussions with Waterways Ireland in this regard or intends to do so in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3967/14]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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25. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht regarding the review of the Canals Act (Amendment) By-Laws 2014, his plans to extend the review and include provisions similar to those existing in Britain for long-term barge dwellers; and if not, the way he proposes to deal with this issue. [3953/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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104. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has been made aware of the concerns of traditional canal boat dwellers on the Grand and Royal Canals arising from the potential application of proposed new by-laws; if he will arrange for dialogue with those involved with a view to resolving any difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4504/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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105. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total number of traditional canal dwellers currently situate on the Grand and Royal Canals who may be affected by proposed new by-laws; if he expects to be in a position to offer an orderly solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4505/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 25, 104 and 105 together.

As Deputies will be aware, Waterways Ireland proposes to make new bye-laws which are intended to enhance its ability to manage the canals for the benefit of all canal users. There are over 14,000 registered boat owners on the seven waterways managed by Waterways Ireland. These seven waterways make a vital contribution to tourism, attracting visitors from around Ireland and from abroad.

The proposed bye-laws are intended to support the investment already made by Waterways Ireland in new infrastructure and facilities along the canals. That investment has made the waterways more attractive for boat owners and is helping to develop them as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity. Given that background, it is now necessary to update the bye-laws to ensure that the rules governing use of the waterways are fit for purpose and best meet the needs of all waterway users.

The proposed new bye-laws provide for the management of house boats, defined as a boat on the canals which is being used as the sole or principal residence of the owner or an occupant with the owner’s permission, as well as for extended moorings and residential moorings. An Annual Houseboat Mooring Permit will be required for a houseboat not navigating or continuously cruising the canals. The permit will allow the use of a mooring identified by Waterways Ireland on the canals where the houseboat may moor for more than five days and up to one year. It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the total number of boat owners who will be required to take out an Annual Houseboat Mooring Permit in the event of the draft bye-laws coming into force. However, I am advised that Waterways Ireland issued 276 Combined Mooring and Passage permits in 2013 for boats to navigate on the Grand and Royal Canals. In addition, 151 Extended Mooring Permits have been issued to boat owners wishing to occupy dedicated berths on these navigations.

The proposed bye-laws will also modernise the charging regime. There will also be further provision for the care, management, maintenance and control and the regulation of the use of the canals, moorings on the canals, and their use by the public for recreation and navigation purposes.

The proposed new bye-laws will be introduced only after the completion of an open public consultation process, which is currently underway. The Canals Act 1986, as amended, stipulates a 21-day consultation period, which, in the present instance, ends at 3pm on 3 February 2014. This public consultation process provides stakeholders, including boat residents and anyone who may have any concerns, with an opportunity to submit their views, opinions and written objections on the draft bye–laws to Waterways Ireland.

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that the main stakeholders, which include the Inland Waterway Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association, the Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Irish Boat Rental Association, have been contacted individually and invited to meet with the Chief Executive and the senior management team of Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their consultation responses. This will afford these groups an opportunity to express their views, opinions and any concerns they may have regarding the proposed bye-laws. I am also advised that all current permit holders on the Grand Canal have received individual written notice and have been given the opportunity to respond within the consultation timeframe on an individual basis.

Following completion of the consultation process, Waterways Ireland will consider all responses and will then finalise its proposed approach. Any discussions that are necessary with Waterways Ireland will take place at that point.