Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I have always believed our waterways are very under-utilised resources. Waterways Ireland has engaged in joint marketing initiatives with Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and, as I mentioned earlier, Fermanagh District Council. There are probably other local marketing initiatives as well. I will find out more for the Deputy about the sponsorship. It is mentioned in the briefing material but there is no breakdown.

Since Waterways Ireland was established, the number of boats registered has more than doubled from 5,544 in 2000 to 12,344 in 2009, which shows there is great interest in the waterways. Anecdotally, there is an increase in the usage of the waterways but it is far less than occurs in our neighbouring country. A visit to that country shows the progress there.

Waterways Ireland has won many awards and nominations since its establishment, including, most recently, achieving the status of Ability Company in two categories in the prestigious O2 Ability Awards 2010. In my role as Minister with responsibility for equality, I am delighted that an organisation under my Department's remit has succeeded in achieving such prestigious status and I compliment the staff in Waterways Ireland on making that possible. It has also won a sustainability award from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for its headquarters and the award for best marina development for Boyle marina in County Roscommon. The Minister of State and I will be investigating the potential for further development of the tourism potential of these waterways and canals. We will work with our colleague in Government, the Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin, in that regard.

See this speech in context