Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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602. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will support the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and its call for new canal by-laws via a dedicated canal Bill (details supplied) as our canals are an important amenity which is part of our heritage and can be a great source for tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5332/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Heritage Bill 2015, published by my Department in December last, included provisions to amend the Canals Act 1986 so as to allow for the subsequent making of bye-laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals. The 1988 Canal Bye-Laws have been in force for some 27 years and need to be revised to reflect changes in the use of the canals over the intervening years. The proposed changes would allow Waterways Ireland to make new bye-laws to proactively manage the Royal and Grand Canals, as well as the Barrow Navigation.

The proposed amendments to the Canals Act 1986 were designed to provide for the regulation of the canals; the issue of permits or licences to regulate the use of boats on the canals and on canal property; the regulation of the type or class of boat which may be used on the canals; the regulation of berths and moorings and the placing of buoys on the canals or other canal property; the regulation and care of animals on the canals and other canal property; the appointment and powers of authorised officers and the service of directions.

Our waterways make a vital contribution to tourism, attracting visitors from around Ireland and from abroad. With approximately 500 boats on the three systems, Waterways Ireland is seeking to encourage more visiting boats onto the waterways. However, the existing bye-law regime is not conducive to advancing this objective. The proposed legislative changes were intended to encourage tourism and leisure craft users by supporting the investment already made by Waterways Ireland in new infrastructure and facilities along the canals and by enhancing Waterways Ireland’s ability to manage, maintain and develop the canals as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity for all waterway users.

A decision on whether to proceed with the Heritage Bill 2015, which has passed Second Stage in Seanad Éireann, will fall to be made in due course.