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

It has. We all see the importance of it, from the symbolism of North-South co-operation alone to its importance in tourism promotion and North-South recreational use. We all join here in recognising the value and potential of the Ulster Canal and its potential link with Lough Neagh. It would form a spectacular network of waterways in this country that would be unequalled anywhere.

Senator Quinn raised some further issues that may not be covered in the by-laws, such as safety, registration, licensing and insurance. I will ask Waterways Ireland to consider those relevant issues.

I thank the Senators for inviting me here today. This was a useful debate that I am sure can make a difference. From that point of view, it is opportune.

I reiterate that one of the most successful initiatives, apart from the peace we enjoy, that came out of the Good Friday Agreement was this body, Waterways Ireland. It is important that we work closely with Waterways Ireland, at both Department and community level, towards ensuring that we maximise the vast potential of the waterways. As I stated in my contribution, many of these waterways go through some of the most deprived and isolated parts of the country, and this gives us a great opportunity to rebalance economic activity to give assistance and hope to those living in isolated rural areas. In a way, part of the magic of the inland waterways is that one can go through landscapes that are relatively untouched and serene to find solace in these places, but at the same time they are in some of the most deprived parts of the country. There is a great opportunity here to do something progressive and positive for all of those communities touched by the 1,000 km of waterways.