Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I thank the Deputy for proposing his amendment, I will not accept it as it is unworkable and impractical to implement. Waterways Ireland does not want to impede unless it absolutely has to. The amendment would restrict its ability to provide new infrastructure such as moorings and weirs along the canals. Water levels, for example, need to be lowered due to flooding and other circumstances, which could impede navigation.

Waterways Ireland, through its marine notices, closes navigations to allow special events to take place. The system has been in place for many years and works well. It allows all navigation users' interests to be represented and accommodated. It has never caused any difficulty. Therefore, I cannot accept the amendment.