Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to extend the Dublin canal survey to the rest of the counties which the canals transgress; his views on whether the canals offer potential to these counties as regards tourism and recreation; his further views on extending the survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2592/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Waterways Ireland, in conjunction with Dublin City Council, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and Fáilte Ireland, is undertaking a study with a view to identifying the future recreational, tourism and commercial potential of the Dublin City Canals — the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal — within the city limits.

Consultation is an essential element of the study in terms of collecting information and views on the current and potential level of usage, types of usage in and adjacent to the canals, as well as the views and issues of non-users. A simple on-line consultation questionnaire has been created to help with the consultation process and can be accessed through the Waterways Ireland website at www.waterwaysireland.org It is expected that the study will be completed and a draft report received by the end of March 2009.

The Royal and Grand Canals are important recreation and tourism amenities, supporting a myriad of activities, providing employment and generating revenues for the hinterland through which they traverse. The current restoration of the Royal Canal is nearing completion and Waterways Ireland has continued to invest in waterway infrastructure along both the Royal and Grand Canals. While Waterways Ireland has had contacts with Fáilte Ireland and a number of local authorities, no decision has yet been taken on undertaking further such studies in relation to other parts of the inland navigation.