Written answers

Thursday, 19 February 2009

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Inland Waterways

5:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when dredging work will start on the section of the canal between the Grand Canal Dock and Rathmines Bridge, Dublin; the length of time this work is expected to take; his views on whether flotsam and jetsam fouling propellers, locks out of order, weeds and so on are causing problems for canal users; if he will confirm the person who is responsible for removing blankets, trolleys, traffic cones and sacks out of the canal, trimming overhanging trees and removing the rubble at Charlemont Place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6746/09]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The maintenance of the Grand Canal is the responsibility of Waterways Ireland.

I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that its staff continually remove discarded objects from the canal waters, carry out maintenance repairs to the locks and lock gates, and remove weeds during the growing season.

I understand that a survey is currently being carried out on the Grand Canal between Grand Canal Dock and Rathmines Bridge to ascertain the quantity of material to be dredged. The results of this survey will determine the length of time required to carry out the dredging works and it is hoped dredging will commence in November 2009.

All waste disposal activities associated with the dredging of the Grand Canal will be carried out under the appropriate waste collection and waste disposal licences, and with the approval of the relevant waste authorities.

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the consents that are necessary in order for a person to operate both maintenance and repairs on a commercial basis on the canals where such maintenance is carried out directly on other individual boats or on dry docks by the boat owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6780/09]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Permission is required from Waterways Ireland for any commercial operations on canal property. I understand that permissions are given by way of an operating licence, upon written application and consideration by Waterways Ireland. Considerations taken into account in assessing applications for a commercial operating licence include:

Suitability of location;

Type of operation proposed;

Compliance with Health and Safety and any statutory requirements; and

The ability of the applicant to indemnify Waterways Ireland against any potential liabilities.

I understand that Waterways Ireland's dry docks are available for hire to private individuals/entities to undertake boat repairs. An application and charging process is in place. Applicants are required to comply with all Health and Safety and statutory regulations, and to indemnify Waterways Ireland. Commercial use of the dry docks to operate a business would require an operating licence, as outlined above.

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