Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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12. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht If she will issue more extended mooring permits for boats on the Royal Canal; if she envisages a role for her Department in extending the use of the canals and making them a more attractive amenity for the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10181/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Waterways Ireland is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway system throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. As a north south implementation body, Waterways Ireland is under the joint remit of my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. The Royal Canal is one of the waterways for which Waterways Ireland has responsibility. I have been advised by Waterways Ireland that it initially identified 14 separate locations for extended mooring permits along the Royal Canal. I understand that there is a surplus of moorings available at all of these locations, apart from the extended mooring location at Castleknock. I also understand that Waterways Ireland does not intend to identify and develop further locations for extended mooring permits at this time since there is insufficient demand.

I have been assured by Waterways Ireland that it is continuously promoting and developing all its waterways, including the Royal Canal, as navigational, recreational and tourism attractions. In addition, Waterways Ireland is also working closely with the tourism and local authorities in developing the recreational and tourism potential of the waterways. In the case of the Royal Canal, Waterways Ireland is working closely with Fáilte Ireland, the National Roads Authority and a number of local authorities in developing a multi-activity recreational and tourism offering, utilising the existing towpath and waterway infrastructure.