Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and I look forward to welcoming him to Kildare when the blueway is open to see the tremendous progress and the great asset that it is. I am glad to hear the three organisations are meeting in the coming days. Last week, in this House, I asked for a taskforce to be put in place. I have been in touch with Waterways Ireland separately as well as with An Garda Síochána and Kildare County Council. The Minister of State is right; a shared approach that ensures the blueway remains accessible and welcoming for all users is really important. We have to ensure the blueway is developed, promoted and maintained for the benefit of the region as a whole, which absolutely includes the neighbours.

The Minister of State mentioned the newly constructed gateways. They were intended to restrict the access of quad and scrambler bikes but they are not fit for purpose; quads and scramblers are able to get in. That absolutely needs to be looked at. We also need better access management plans to ensure these motorised vehicles cannot damage the blueway or cause a problem for the nearby residents. I would appreciate if the Department would keep in contact and update me on the meeting with the three agencies.