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

The public consultation undertaken by Waterways Ireland on the proposed bye-laws governing Grand Canal, the Royal Canal and the Barrow system concluded on 3rd February last. I understand that there were over 2,000 submissions made in the course of the public consultation process, all of which were submitted directly to Waterways Ireland as the body responsible for conducting the consultation process. Waterways Ireland is now giving full and careful consideration to all of these submissions, following which it will prepare a report setting out its proposed approach, including any revisions it may wish to make to its original proposals. The report will be submitted to my Department and will then be referred to me, with recommendations for consideration and final decision. As I indicated previously, I will afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making the final decision.

The canals are normally open for navigation from April to October. As the Deputy will be aware, the economic downturn has led to a decline in resources available in recent years. Waterways Ireland, in common with other public bodies, has not been immune from the impact of this decline. In this context, I am informed that Waterways Ireland is actively considering targeting its limited resources and manned services to the times of greatest use and benefit across all its navigations.

The proposed bye-laws are intended to support the investment already made by Waterways Ireland in new infrastructure and facilities along the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow system. There will be a new free one month Visitor Permit which seeks to actively encourage boats to visit and tour on the canals. The proposed bye-laws also seek to address the issue of boats on the canals remaining permanently moored in key locations such as villages, which are then inaccessible to boats visiting the canals and cruising along them.

Overall, the proposed bye-laws will enable Waterways Ireland to develop the canals as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity for all waterway users and will help create and develop them into a waterways system that is modern and fit for purpose.