Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Based on the Minister's comprehensive reply, the proposed charges will result in a €1,000 or €1,500 increase. The canal restoration that has taken place over the past 50 years was largely done through voluntary effort. While Waterways Ireland has an involvement in upgrading the canals, and it has a responsibility that we all respect, cognisance should be taken of the huge voluntary effort in the restoration of the canals. It would be grossly unfair to penalise people who, having made a voluntary effort, are now using the canals for leisure and residential purposes. Perhaps the Minister can take particular interest in ensuring charges are reduced to something manageable.

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