Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps which Waterways Ireland will take on foot of the recommendation of the MCIB into the grounding and flooding of a cruiser on Lough Derg on 1 July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18188/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that five recommendations were made in the report by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the incident in question. One of these recommendations refers to Waterways Ireland, viz:

Waterways Ireland should, in consultation with the Maritime Safety Directorate, establish a buoyage system for inland waterways, which is internationally recognised by all users of the waterways both national and foreign.

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are two separate systems in use on the inland navigation system within its remit. The one in this jurisdiction is that used on the Shannon Navigation and is referred to in the Report. The system used on Lough Erne is entirely different to that on the Shannon and is also different to that recommended in the Report.

I am advised that changing from the existing system on the waterways under Waterways Ireland's remit would be a considerable financial and logistical burden. On the Shannon alone over 500 aids to navigation would have to be altered. It would also require the agreement of the authorities in Northern Ireland, where no issues have been raised in relation to the suitability of the system presently in use on the Erne. I understand that Waterways Ireland has stated that it will be happy to meet the Maritime Safety Directorate to initiate discussion on a review of the Shannon Navigation buoyage system.

I have asked that these discussions be pursued as a priority and that an implementation plan be prepared to give effect to any agreed changes as quickly as possible thereafter.