Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects to achieve an amicable resolution of issues between Waterways Ireland and traditional dwellers and recreational users of the Grand Canal in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39954/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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227. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects to be in a position to facilitate or accommodate the needs of the traditional canal dwellers and recreational users of the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal in County Kildare, having regard to the huge voluntary efforts contributed by the community in the case of the latter, and the need to ensure a fair and equitable resolution to issues arising from the draft management proposals as set out by Waterways Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39957/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 227 together.

I am advised by Waterways Ireland that its inspectorate continues to advise, make aware and educate its recreational boating customers across all Waterways Ireland navigations with respect to their obligations under the various navigation bye-laws. Where bye-law contraventions are noted, owners are informed by various means including in person, by email, by phone and/or by a notice being placed on their boat and they are given every opportunity to comply.

As I indicated to the Deputy in my replies to previous questions relating to this subject (Questions No. 39 on 30 April 2015, No. 275 on 18 June 2015 and No. 36 on 24 September 2015), I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the proposed bye-laws that Waterways Ireland intends to make in order to enhance the management of the canals for all canal users.

The current position is that there is ongoing liaison between Waterways Ireland and my Department with a view to finalising the draft bye-laws which will be referred to me with recommendations for consideration and final decision. It is my intention to afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making a final decision on the proposed bye-laws.