Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Waterways Ireland made this offer as the property owners of the Grand Canal Dock because of the continuing serious risk posed by the condition of the Naomh Éanna, the disruption and expense that would be involved were it to sink in the Grand Canal Dock and the absence of any firm indication that the very significant level of finance required to make it safe and insurable was potentially available. The Irish Nautical Trust accepted the offer and confirmed its approval to Waterways Ireland to dispose of the vessel on its behalf. The vessel's condition does not support its movement out of the dock. Accordingly, Waterways Ireland has recently moved the Naomh Éanna to an adjacent dry dock, under a short-term licence agreement with NAMA, from where it will be dismantled under contract. I am advised by Waterways Ireland that this is the only practical way of ensuring the vessel does not sink in the main dock, thereby giving rise to considerable additional expense. Let me assure this House that the decision has not been taken lightly. Rather, it is because of the continuing serious risk posed by the vessel, the disruption and expense that would be involved were it to sink in the Grand Canal Dock and the very considerable expense that would be involved in making it safe and insurable.

Waterways Ireland is also obliged to manage the canals and in that regard, it is preparing new by-laws for consideration. It recently concluded a public consultation on its proposed revision of the by-laws. I am aware there has been much debate and discussion around this topic. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some issues around this subject. First, the proposed changes to the by-laws are required to allow Waterways Ireland to proactively manage the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal as well as the Barrow Navigation. With approximately 500 boats on the three systems, Waterways Ireland is seeking to encourage more visiting boats onto the three waterways. However, it is evident to Waterways Ireland that the movement of boats on the waterways in question is problematic under the existing by-law regime. Mooring spaces at many harbours are difficult to access due to continuous harbour hogging. Neither the Royal Canal nor the Grand Canal, nor indeed the Barrow Navigation, has private marinas and there has been a slow but steady increase of unregulated houseboats in certain locations on the waterways.

In an effort to bring additional visiting boats on to the systems, Waterways Ireland is proposing the introduction of a free 30 day visitor cruising permit; the introduction of a range of fees for fixed mooring permits - in the absence of private marinas; the regulation of houseboat moorings; and the introduction of a fixed payment notice for those boats in breach of the by-laws.

These new by-laws will enhance Waterways Ireland's ability to manage the canals and waterway amenities. The proposed changes will also support the investment already made in new infrastructure and facilities by Waterways Ireland and will help to develop the canals as a vibrant recreational waterway for all users.

It is almost a quarter of a century since the by-laws were updated and I am sure Members would all agree that much has changed in the past 25 years. The same is true for the three waterways in question. In that time they have witnessed considerable investment. The Royal Canal was restored to navigation, new and improved facilities have been provided all along the three waterways and service blocks with toilets, showers and laundries have been developed at strategic locations. In all, Waterways Ireland has invested on behalf of the taxpayer over €50 million in the infrastructure of the Royal and Grand Canals and Barrow Navigation.

At the same time, Waterways Ireland has continued to market and promote these beautiful waterways. It has supported numerous events and activities on and adjacent to the water and continues to work in partnership with local authorities, tourism agencies and activity and accommodation providers along the three waterways. For example, in 2013 Waterways Ireland supported TriAthy, Éigse Carlow, the all-Ireland coarse angling championships in Edenderry, Phizzfest in Phibsboro, the Docklands summer festival here in Dublin City and the canoe polo championships in Enfield to name but a few. In fact in conjunction with Ingenious Ireland, Waterways Ireland developed a mobile APP and audio guide to the Barrow and its corridor last year. At the same time, Waterways Ireland, in partnership with Westmeath County Council, has developed a greenway cycle route along the Royal Canal and continues to work and support the further development of that greenway in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Longford. These are but some of the many initiatives, supports, developments and investments made by Waterways Ireland in the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow River.

I am sure Members will agree that our Inland Waterways are a wonderful, natural heritage, leisure, recreation, boating and tourism attraction. They provide an insight into times past, allow access to a rich and diverse natural heritage, sustain many local businesses and communities and support a myriad of leisure and tourism opportunities, both for the domestic and international tourist. I am sure they will also agree that Waterways Ireland has indeed achieved much in developing, promoting and managing the 1,000 km of waterways since it was established.

I wish to acknowledge that the organisation, like all public bodies, faces many challenges in the coming years, but I wish to reassure the House that Waterways Ireland, with my support and that of my Department, will continue to successfully develop and promote these magnificent natural assets on behalf of all the people of Ireland.