Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fail)

I raise an important issue. For the past 6,000 years we have enjoyed free and unrestricted access to boating on the River Shannon. Last year, Waterways Ireland attempted to bring in new by-laws, which went largely unnoticed by the boating community before they came before the housing committee last year. As well as attempting to impose a charge on the use of the River Shannon for boating people and their families, there was also contentious consequences for members of the canal and barge living community in Dublin city. I have endeavoured to get the issue listed on the agenda of the housing committee and I understand it will be taken early in the new term. However, it behoves us to write to the Minister for housing because it is his remit and to impress upon him the need that these by-laws are not signed off until the housing committee, and indeed, this House and the Dáil have had an opportunity to revisit them. They are contentious and take away an inalienable right we had even before we were under British rule.For 6,000 years, we have had the right to navigate the River Shannon freely and unrestrictedly. Any change to that will not be tolerated by boat owners, and nor should it be tolerated by Irish society in general. I ask the House to write to the Minister as a matter of urgency on this important matter.