Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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730. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to carry out a full feasibility study in relation to the proposed extension to the Erne navigation from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19869/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Waterways Ireland manages and maintains the navigation on the River Erne in County Cavan as part of the Shannon – Erne Waterway. Waterways Ireland public jetties are provided in both Belturbet and Kilconny and the navigation channel is provided with navigation markers and signage as and where required. The upper limit of the managed navigation on the River Erne is just below Erne Bridge between Belturbet and Kilconny. Waterways Ireland have informed me that a number of studies have been undertaken since the late 1980’s to examine the feasibility of extending the navigation upstream from Belturbet to Lough Oughter and Killeshandra. Based on the results of these studies and on reviewing the environmental information obtained in the process Waterways Ireland considers that the environmental designations of this lake complex make the feasibility of the proposed navigation extension unviable.

While there are no plans currently for a navigation extension scheme, Waterways Ireland have advised me that there may be potential in the waters of the Lough Oughter area being promoted as a distinct Blueway and in this context Waterways Ireland is willing to advise on possible ways forward.

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that, in this regard Waterways Ireland has met with the Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Council officials and elected representatives concerning Blueways developed successfully on the Waterways Ireland network and to advise on possible ways forward.