Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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358. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention or that of Waterways Ireland has been drawn to issues regarding a barrier on a walk and cycle route of the Royal Canal (details supplied); and if he will outline from his perspective and that of Waterways Ireland, the guidance and or policy regarding barriers and the way in which they are deployed along greenways. [46504/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I am informed by Waterways Ireland that its policy is that staggered approach barriers and the way in which they are deployed along Greenways should be in accordance with Transport Infrastructure Ireland's Guidelines for Rural Cycleway Design (Offline).

I have brought the situation mentioned by the Deputy to the attention of Waterways Ireland, who have indicated that they will, in conjunction with the other agencies involved in the delivering and maintaining of the Royal Canal Greenway, carry out an immediate review of the layout of the staggered approach barriers at the location in question to determine their compliance with the appropriate design standards. This review is expected to be completed before the end of October 2021.

Waterways Ireland has also informed me it would welcome the opportunity to engage with any person(s) directly affected by access issues at the barrier, to try to ensure that access is not impeded by the current access control gate arrangement.