Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 27 together.

Waterways Ireland's work programme is critical to providing a safe and high-quality recreation environment for the public, while also preserving the industrial and environmental heritage of the waterways for future generations. These challenges must be balanced with the objective of increasing recreational activity across all of our waterways.

The Estimates for 2020 provide for an allocation of €25.6 million for Waterways Ireland, comprising €21.2 million in current funding and €4.38 million in capital funding, an overall increase of €546,000 on the original 2019 allocation. The funding of Waterways Ireland for 2020 is for investment in the management, maintenance and development of inland waterways under its control. Any proposed works to be carried out in 2021 are an operational matter for Waterways Ireland which will take into account its strategic business objectives for the waterways network.

Additional funding from Waterways Ireland in 2020 is not complicated by the Estimates process and it will, like other agencies under my remit, need to live within its capital allocation. As Minister, I have many competing and compelling requests for funding in 2021. I am acutely aware of the value of our inland waterways amenity and its excellent work and the excellent work carried out by Waterways Ireland.

Of particular importance is the strong community and business outreach and partnership policy that the organisation has implemented in order to engage with and deliver services for communities adjacent to waterways to create social, recreational, health and economic benefits. Inland waterways are also an intrinsic part of the Ireland's tourism attractions and Waterways Ireland plays a key role in their marketing and promotion.

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