Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht

Canal By-laws and Naomh Éanna: Discussion (Resumed)

3:35 pm

Mr. Greg Whelan:

Today we have highlighted the fears and concerns that members have. We talked about €80 million to €100 million being spent. That is being spent by our members. They are the people who are delivering this economic value to the small towns and villages of Ireland. They are happy to do so and are proud to spend their holidays and pastimes in Ireland. That is what we are about and it is what we are trying to protect. We want to ensure that the money can stay in the country - we need it. We want to be able to do it on waterways that are vibrant and lively.