Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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393. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on a submission regarding canal by-laws (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the problems raised; if he has had any meetings with Waterways Ireland regarding this issue; his views or proposals regarding the development of the canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2466/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The introduction of these proposed new Bye-Laws is intended to enhance Waterways Ireland's ability to manage, care and maintain the canals. This will support the investment already made by Waterways Ireland in new infrastructure and facilities along the canals and will help to develop them as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity for all waterway users.

I am informed that Waterways Ireland commenced a public consultation process in this jurisdiction on the Draft Canals Act, 1986 (Amendment) Bye-Laws, 2014 on 6^th January 2014 which is currently open to the public for a period of 21 working days in accordance with section 7(1) of the Canals Act, 1986 (No. 3 of 1986) as amended by section 56 of the Maritime Safety Act, 2005 (No. 11 of 2005). This public consultation process closes at 3pm on the 3^rd February and is being undertaken with my prior consent.

I am advised by Waterways Ireland that the main stakeholders have been contacted individually and invited to meet with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management team of Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their consultation responses. At this meeting, these groups will be given the opportunity to express their views, opinions and any concerns they may have about the proposed amendments to the Bye-Laws. All current Permit Holders on the Grand Canal have received individual written notice and have been given the opportunity to respond within the consultation timeframe on an individual basis.

Following completion of the consultation process, Waterways Ireland will then consider all responses.