Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action that is being taken to encourage the use of narrow boats and house boats or barges on the Royal Canal and the Dublin Canal; the reason there are no moorings in the entire stretch from Sallins to Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16901/09]

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action that can be taken generally to increase activity on the Grand Canal in view of the fact that it is such an important resource; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16902/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.

Waterways Ireland works proactively with a wide range of statutory, commercial and community stakeholders to stimulate increased activity on both the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal. Waterways Ireland markets and promotes Ireland's inland waterways, including the Grand and Royal Canal, in a strategic and integrated manner to deliver five key marketing objectives: Awareness Creation; Development of Waterways Ireland's corporate identity; Promoting greater use of the waterways; Working in partnership with other bodies; and building a platform for sustained market development.

These marketing objectives are achieved through the delivery of a number of actions, including a sponsorship programme, the development and distribution of publications, an award winning website, attendance at national and international tourism and trade shows, advertising and public relations, and joint initiatives with other trade and tourism organisations.

Consultants have been engaged by Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council and Dublin Docklands Development Authority with the terms of reference of examining the Recreational, Tourism and Commercial potential of the Dublin City Canals and the development of an Investment and Maintenance Framework.

In addition, Waterways Ireland also continues to develop and enhance the recreational products associated with the Royal and Grand Canal. In this regard, it may be noted that the Royal Canal is presently not fully navigable, with restoration works ongoing at both ends — namely, Spencer Dock at the eastern end and the last 25km of the western end from Ballymahon to Richmond Harbour, Clondra, Co. Longford. It is envisaged that the Royal Canal will be open for boat navigation in 2010. Waterways Ireland liaises with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Royal Canal Amenity Group in relation to boating issues, and will continue to do so when the Royal Canal is fully open for navigation. Waterways Ireland also liaises with the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) and individual boat / barge owners in relation to the Grand Canal, which is fully open to navigation, and to that end have been working closely with IWAI Dublin Branch in organising the Dublin Rally (Lucan to Grand Canal Dock, Ringsend) over the period 9th to 23rd May 2009.

There is a range of locations in which boats can moor on the Grand Canal, including Grand Canal Dock, Mespil Road, Charlemont Place and Portobello, as well as along the canal bank itself. A feasibility study is ongoing in conjunction with Dublin City Council regarding a possible marina at Park West (the 8th level of the Grand Canal Main Line) and planning permission has been obtained by a developer at Pelletstown (the Cabra/Ashtown area of Royal Canal) for a 19-berth marina.