Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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284. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason that water and electricity services are not provided in public moorings during the winter mooring period; if he will request Waterways Ireland to restore these services for the winter given that many persons now live in their boats all year round due to the housing crisis and rely on these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3101/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Waterways Ireland provides a variety of free public moorings throughout its navigation network, ranging from basic safe harbours to high quality floating moorings fitted with lighting, electricity, pump outs and water supply to cater for the more than 8,500 vessels registered on the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway. These facilitates are maintained during the boating season, which runs from the beginning of March to the end of October each year.

Outside of the boating season Waterways Ireland provides a Winter Mooring Service where boats can avail of moorings for the winter period. No other services are available during the winter period at the Waterways Ireland harbours. Providing and maintaining a permanent electricity and fresh water supply along the length of the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway for a small number of boat owners is unsustainable from a staffing and maintenance perspective. In 2021-2022 a total of 155 boat owners are availing of Winter Moorings on the entire length of the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway from Limerick to Belturbet.

Waterways Ireland has commissioned a feasibility study to investigate the options for sustainable models of on-water living development on the canal network, which will impact on how it develops the waterways going forward to serve a wider range of communities. This study will inform future development plans for the wider navigation network. This will involve thorough engagement and consultation of concerns and solutions of stakeholders. Output from the programme is expected in Q1 2022. The conclusions of the study will lead to new design imperatives and infrastructure development over the next 10 years and beyond, requiring significant investment.

Waterways Ireland has stated that any potential future development of a sustainable on-water living programme will take place in consultation with local communities and be cognisant of the local canal environment.