Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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288. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if steps can be taken by the State to retain ownership of the graving docks on the Grand Canal that were constructed in 1796; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9439/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The intrinsic heritage value of the Graving Docks on City Block 19 is recognised by my Department and Waterways Ireland and the conservation of waterway heritage assets has been identified within the Dublin Docklands Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), which forms part of the Dublin City Development Plan.

Any development of City Block 19 will have the protections outlined in the SDZ and an accompanying vision that reflects the significant social, historical and cultural value of the site for the local community, waterway users and for Dublin.

Waterways Ireland is currently considering a range of options in relation to the most effective and sustainable way to deliver this ambition for City Block 19.

Waterways Ireland has commenced work on developing a strategic framework and associated priorities for land/canal use in Dublin, which will identify a suite of sustainable, integrated and co-ordinated development initiatives. This work is ongoing and it will ultimately inform the strategy for City Block 19 and the other development opportunities within Dublin linked to its waterways.

Waterways Ireland will continue to engage with my Department in framing the strategy to re-imagine the waterways. Consultation and collaboration with external stakeholders would form an integral part of this process.