James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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141. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding conciliation and agreement on canal by-laws taking into consideration the views of the Inland Waterways Association and local development groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31832/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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146. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has had or proposes to have discussions with Waterways Ireland with a view to ironing out issues arising from the draft charges proposed in respect of canal users-dwellers; if recognition has been given or is likely to be given to the voluntary community effort which brought about the restoration of the Royal Canal and other waterways; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31936/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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149. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which she has engaged with Waterways Ireland with a view to resolving issues that have arisen in respect of the proposed charges on traditional canal dwellers and recreational canal users; the extent to which these issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31939/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 146 and 149 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, Waterways Ireland undertook a public consultation process in relation to the proposed draft bye-laws earlier this year. I am informed by Waterways Ireland that the main stakeholders, including the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association, the Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Irish Boat Rental Association, were contacted individually and invited to meet with the Chief Executive and the senior management team of Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their views. I am also advised that all current permit holders on the three waterways, including traditional canal users and canal dwellers, received individual written notice and were given the opportunity to make their views and requirements known.

I understand that over 2,000 submissions were made in the course of the public consultation process. Waterways Ireland has given careful consideration to all of the issues raised and has now concluded their analysis of the public consultation. A summary of the consultation process and of the submissions received is available on the Waterways Ireland website.

Waterways Ireland is continuing its work on finalising its proposals in relation to the proposed new bye laws. This includes taking into account the submissions received in the course of the statutory public consultation exercise undertaken earlier this year. When the draft bye laws are finalised and formally submitted to my Department by Waterways Ireland, they will then be referred to me, as Minister, with recommendations for consideration and final decision.

In line with the commitment given during a debate in Seanad Éireann on Wednesday 26 February 2014, I will afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making a final decision on the draft bye-laws.