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

I again agree wholeheartedly with everything the Deputy has said. The potential here is immense, especially for parts of rural Ireland and the Border counties. It could provide a viable and vital economic driver for the region. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and I are deeply committed to supporting the work of Waterways Ireland in trying to achieve that, along with partners. The tourism master plan is the vehicle by which these projects can be delivered.

On the specific project, it is in a process so I will not comment any further. I am, however, of the view that maximising this potential will deliver huge benefits to rural communities. We cannot discount the cross-Border, all-Ireland nature of Waterways Ireland's remit. That is why we have invested significantly not just in the Shannon, but also in the entirety of navigable waterways. There are very exciting times ahead for our waterways. I again thank the Deputy for bring this question forward.

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