Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Anybody who has been to cities such as Amsterdam and Bruges will have a very good idea of the potential for tourism and living on the canals. Despite what the Minister says, Waterways Ireland is very far removed from that sort of activity on the canals. The Grand Canal has a little more such activity than the Royal Canal. Given the lack of activity on the latter, it is the poor relation.

It was very interesting to meet boat owners. A couple I met can bring their boat from Belturbet along the River Shannon and the Royal Canal into Dublin. They go through Phibsborough via Cross Guns Bridge and into the basin, and they can go back around by the Grand Canal.

I listened to what the Minister said about the answer from Waterways Ireland. It seems it is talking to everybody except those who are actually using the canals. It is missing out on vast potential for the boat owners who use the canal. I want to see the canals being used much more.

An issue arises over access to power, and issues can arise over water.

There is also an issue about the extended mooring permits. If nothing else comes from today, I ask the the Minister to go back to Waterways Ireland to ask it to engage with the boat owners.

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