Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Certainly, the development of the blueways and our waterways is hugely important, especially in inland Ireland and in my case, in Kildare. I already mentioned we should have additional signage with directions and distance in miles and I ask the Minister of State to bring that request back. We also need good mapping and to make it widely available both online and in a physical capacity for those planning journeys.I also think there should be extra supports for those businesses that wish to develop along the blueway because that will give lifeblood to the areas I mentioned. There are some sporting organisations which are setting up, for example, the Monasterevin Blueway Kayaking Club, which is doing a fantastic job in terms of introducing the waterways to younger and older people. There is a whole wealth of area that we need to explore in terms of business supports and sports supports to enable the huge potential of the blueway. I am very glad it will be completed before the end of the year and I look forward to having clarity on the date.