Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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15. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the protection of the Georgian graving docks in the Grand Canal Basin; and if she will make a commitment to safeguard and improve the site, with a particular focus on Georgian heritage conservation. [31137/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The graving docks in the Grand Canal Basin are located in the site known as City Block 19. I am advised by Waterways Ireland that this site is being considered for development in partnership with the private sector. Development will be in accordance with the North Lotts & Grand Canal Dock Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) Planning Scheme for the area.The SDZ outlines the nature and extent of proposed developments permissible within this site with a use mix of 40% residential; 30% commercial and 30% community. Waterways Ireland believes there is an opportunity, in how the community element of the planning designation for the site is delivered, to celebrate and sustain the maritime and inland waterways heritage of the wider area and the graving docks.

The Waterways Ireland Action Plan for Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock sets out the body’s proposals to ensure that both Docks are developed to deliver their full potential to the city of Dublin and to the wider canal network. The plan is available on the Waterways Ireland website at:

Waterways Ireland has recently appointed a Programme Manager to drive forward delivery of this Action Plan and is committed to delivering the Grand Canal and Spencer Docks as amenities in the city, with the maximum recreational benefit to local people and visitors alike.