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

That is very important. From speaking to some of the boat owners, it appears there is an issue with the extended mooring permits. If they are for 12 months, the boat will stay in the one place, whereas if they were for shorter periods and the boats had to move, it would create more activity. The Minister referred to tow paths and it is great that they have been opened up, but the tow path from Croke Park to Phibsorough has been closed for nine months now. It has been the slowest progress, if that is not a contradiction in terms. I understand it is supposed to open shortly, but I am not too sure about that one.

There is a need to look at the current by-laws on permits and I understand these come under the Minister's Department. I have a question on the by-laws later but we will probably not get to it. I will receive the written reply. I accept everything the Minister says, but when one walks along the Royal Canal from the North Strand to Pelletstown, there is very little boat activity notwithstanding what Waterways Ireland says. It has a massive centre down in the basin and it may be that all of its energy is directed there. It is missing out on a great deal of potential by not opening up the Royal Canal to use to a greater extent.

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