Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the studies she plans to undertake in relation to the feasibility of extending Erne navigation from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra, County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19998/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, 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 currently just below Erne Bridge between Belturbet and Kilconny.

I have been informed by Waterways Ireland 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. The results of these studies have not been taken forward due to budgetary constraints, extent of assessments required, anticipated impacts on the designated habitat, constraints on works due to environmental legislation, and the remit of Waterways Ireland.

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 as Blueways Ireland (National Trails Office, Canoeing Ireland and other state bodies) is currently considering the establishment of Blueways beyond the Waterways Ireland network of inland waterways.

To this end 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.

Waterways Ireland is happy to support Cavan County Council with advice should it decide to develop a Blueway on the River Erne from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra.