Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the groups and thank them for their presentations. I congratulate them on the work they do. Waterways Ireland plays an essential role in developing waterways for tourism and recreational purposes. Times change and organisations such as this need to change with them to remain viable and build on their success. That said, the huge increase in some fees is unacceptable and there is serious concern that the proposed fees will damage tourism and drive people from the waterways the organisation serves.

Having looked through the presentations, I believe the five-day rule does not appear to be practical. It has been stated some people have full-time jobs and may not be able to go on their boats every weekend, for one reason or another, and that some local communities and small villages really benefit from having such people tie up and stay on for longer periods. Therefore, the five-day rule needs to be re-examined.

Discretion does not really work. I agree that we need a clear definition. A point was made on the derogation for heritage boats. It is worrying that heritage boats could be charged most. This is another aspect that needs to be re-examined.

I have questions on the increase in mooring capacity and the registration of boats. Would this have increased Waterways Ireland's income by much? Would this income not help regarding some of the increases? Has Waterways Ireland explored increased funding or grants to offset the need for some of the higher increases? What extra services will people receive in return for paying increased fees? I acknowledge fees have not been increased since approximately 1984 but, if people are to pay more, they usually expect a better service.

I wonder how often boats are abandoned on the canals. Is this frequent or very rare? After a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, plans for the establishment of a board for Waterways Ireland were not advanced. Will Waterways Ireland concede to the necessity for the establishment of a board that includes stakeholder representation? If so, could the delegates outline a timeframe for its establishment?