Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Waterways Ireland is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway system throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. As a North–South implementation body, it is under the joint remit of my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. The Royal Canal is one of the waterways for which Waterways Ireland has responsibility.

I have been assured by Waterways Ireland that it is continually promoting and developing all its waterways, including the Royal Canal, as navigational, recreational and tourist attractions. It is also working closely with the tourism bodies and local authorities in developing the recreational and tourism potential of the waterways. In the case of the Royal Canal, Waterways Ireland is working closely with Fáilte Ireland, the National Roads Authority and a number of local authorities in developing a multi-activity recreational and tourism offering, utilising the existing towpath and waterway infrastructure.

The Deputy referred to training. While Waterways Ireland does not provide training for boat owners, it does provide guidance in the form of guide books, which clearly explain the operation of the locks. Historically, boat handling training and lock operation training were provided by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland.

I understand that Waterways Ireland currently has no proposals to install additional moorings between Spencer Dock and Cross Guns Bridge due to the lack of uptake to date at the other locations available for extended mooring on the Royal Canal.

See this speech in context