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

I thank Deputy Smith for keeping this on the agenda. It is an important matter. I agree with the contention that the process should be incremental, because these are capital intensive projects, as I said at the outset. Budgets are limited and constrained.

I am encouraged by the positive engagement we have had with Waterways Ireland. It is very early days for me to get fully up to speed on all of these issues, but the upcoming planning process provides us with a significant opportunity to increase the usage and recreational advantage of this amenity, and develop biodiversity values of our inland waterways. They can be a recreational resource for the entire community, particularly, as I have said, as we live through these very challenging times. They are an amazing resource for local communities. I saw their tourism value for local shops and bakeries in Drumshanbo last week. That can be replicated throughout the country and I want to see that happen.

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