Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his policy on the use and management of houseboats on the inland waterways, in particular on the Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 4; if he is liaising with Waterways Ireland on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35672/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by Waterways Ireland, which has responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland waterways, that it is finalising a draft Houseboat Policy that will determine how the Body will regulate and manage recognised houseboats on its navigations.

Shannon Harbour is under consideration as a pilot location for designated houseboats (subject to planning), as part of major ongoing and planned regeneration works in the area. On completion of the pilot houseboat project and assessment of the outcomes, it is intended to roll out the implementation of the Houseboat Policy across the navigational network, subject to demand and resources being available.

Boat access to Grand Canal Dock for mooring purposes is suspended at present, due to a number of ongoing and planned major infrastructural improvements, including structural repairs to the dock walls within the inner and outer basins and the extension of a surface water outfall pipeline through Grand Canal Dock by Dublin City Council. Until these works have been completed and the appropriate planning approvals received, I am advised that houseboats cannot be accommodated in Grand Canal Dock.