Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing refusal by Waterways Ireland to engage in with the barge dwellers at the Marina in Lowtown, Naas, County Kildare, with regards to the future development of the area where they currently reside. [41713/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I refer the Deputy to my response to Dáil Question Number 350 of 27 March 2012 on this matter. As indicated in that reply, the issue referred to relates to operational day-to-day matters for Waterways Ireland and is one for which I have no direct responsibility.

However, I am advised by Waterways Ireland that it has continued to endeavour to regularise the ownership and lease arrangements at the area known as Lowtown Marina and is in the process of recovering the property. Waterways Ireland also advises that it held a meeting with the barge dwellers and has issued a further letter to them explaining developments at Lowtown Marina.

I understand that Waterways Ireland has continued to communicate by letter to all permit holders, including barge dwellers, giving an update on developments with regard to mooring locations and extended mooring permits and with a number of individual barge dwellers directly by email, letter, phone and onsite meetings. In addition, press releases have been issued to local media.

I am also advised that it is Waterways Ireland's intention to enter into further communication with the barge dwellers.