Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

I referred to assets, which are under the aegis of Waterways Ireland, and the legislation deals with such assets.

I refer to the report of the Oireachtas sub-committee on the River Shannon, chaired by former Deputy, Seán Doherty. The report recommended that the Western Development Commission should co-ordinate development with Waterways Ireland and local authorities. However, while substantial development, thankfully, is taking place in towns such as Athlone and Carrick-on-Shannon on the banks of the river, it is impacting on the river's flood basin, which could have major repercussions for land owners and for navigation. I ask the Minister to examine this and to issue guidelines regarding development on the river so that this asset is not destroyed. It will a few years before we witness the implications of the current development. Will the Minister take this issue up with Waterways Ireland and re-examine the feasibility of implementing the Doherty report?

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