Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 142 and 144 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, Waterways Ireland undertook a statutory consultation on the proposed by-laws governing the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal and the Barrow navigation which concluded on 3 February last. In line with relevant legislation, Waterways Ireland sought my consent prior to proceeding to consultation on the proposed changes to the by-laws. In addition to the public consultation, views regarding the proposed changes to the by-laws have been raised with my office through correspondence, representations and submissions. These views have been conveyed to Waterways Ireland.

I welcome the assertion by the Deputy that there is general acceptance of the need for regulation of the use of the canals. The proposed by-laws are intended to support the investment already made by Waterways Ireland in new infrastructure and facilities along the canals. They will enhance Waterways Ireland’s ability to manage, care for and maintain the canals and to help to develop them as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity for all waterway users, including those that use the canals for residential purposes, and will help create and develop the canals into a waterways system that is modern and fit for purpose.

While some of the increases in charges originally proposed are quite substantial, other proposed increases are quite modest. For example, while it is proposed to increase the cost of an extended mooring permit in the Grand Canal Dock in Dublin from €152 per annum to €2,500 per annum, in other locations the proposed increase in the cost of an extended mooring permit is from €152 per annum to €160 per annum.

Our waterways make a vital contribution to tourism, attracting visitors from around Ireland and from abroad. There are over 14,000 registered boat owners on the seven waterways managed by Waterways Ireland. I understand that there were over 2,000 submissions made directly to Waterways Ireland in the course of the public consultation process. Waterways Ireland is giving full and careful consideration to all of these submissions and is drafting a report on the issues raised and on possible approaches it might take in response. When the report is concluded, it will be submitted to my Department and will then be referred to me, with recommendations for consideration and final decision. As I indicated previously, I will afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making the final decision.

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