Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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90. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has monitored the situation in respect of canal dwellers and the ongoing dialogue between Waterways Ireland and canal dwellers and users with particular reference to the need to meet the reasonable requirements of recreational users and canal dwellers; if he has succeeded in assuaging the concerns raised by local interests in County Kildare and elsewhere throughout the country who are concerned that notwithstanding their contribution to the restoration to the Royal Canal in particular, they may find themselves at a disadvantage in the context of access, mooring and recreational use in respect of the canal system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24962/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Waterways Ireland undertook a public consultation process in relation to the proposed bye-laws for the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation earlier this year. I am informed by Waterways Ireland that the main stakeholders, including the Inland Waterway Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association, the Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Irish Boat Rental Association, were contacted individually and invited to meet with the Chief Executive and the senior management team of Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their views. I am also advised that all current permit holders on the three waterways, including traditional canal users and canal dwellers, received individual written notice and were given the opportunity to make their views and requirements known. I understand that over 2,000 submissions were made in the course of the public consultation process. Waterways Ireland has now concluded their analysis of the public consultation, a summary of the consultation process and of the submissions received is available on the Waterways Ireland website and work is continuing on finalising the proposed bye-laws. To that end, Waterways Ireland 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.

I am satisfied with the extensive consultation that Waterways Ireland undertook and that the proposed bye-laws, when finalised, will enhance the ability of Waterways Ireland to manage these waterways for the benefit of all their users. The proposed bye-laws will introduce a new framework to regulate the use of moorings that will provide all visitors, including tourists and recreational users to the canals, the opportunity to use public moorings at key locations close to amenities, visitor attractions and places of interest.

As I indicated during a debate in Seanad Éireann on Wednesday 26 February 2014, I will afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the matters with me, prior to making a final decision on the proposed new bye-laws.