Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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968. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department has achieved an amicable solution to outstanding issues between Waterways Ireland and traditional canal dwellers and recreational users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27887/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As I stated in my replies to Questions No. 437 and 438 from the Deputy on 7 March 2017, and Question 767 on 2 May 2017, Waterways Ireland continues to work closely with boat owners using the canals, canal users, land owners and representative groups. Contact is on-going between Waterways Ireland and the canal users groups, and local communities who support the efforts of Waterways Ireland in the maintenance and operation of the canals.

As the Deputy may be aware, provisions to amend the Canals Act 1986 in order to allow for the subsequent making of bye laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals are contained in the Heritage Bill 2016. The proposed changes would allow Waterways Ireland to proactively manage the Royal and Grand Canals and the Barrow Navigation. As the Deputy will be aware, the 1988 Canal Bye Laws have been in force for almost 30 years and need to be revised to reflect changes in the use of the canals over the intervening years.

The Heritage Bill 2016 was passed by Seanad Éireann on the 13th April 2017. Deputies will have the opportunity to consider the Bill as it passes through the various stages of enactment in Dáil Éireann.