Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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265. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will act to ensure that Waterways Ireland conducts a more inclusive consultation process on its new draft by-laws, including by conducting workshops with user groups, which could lead to the co-development of by-laws more suited to the current and future waterways users; his views on the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43224/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Waterways Ireland proposes to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old and no longer fit for purpose. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over the past thirty years. The purpose of updating the Bye-laws is to make the waterways safer for those using the waterways, blueways and greenways, and continue to provide a wonderful recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.

A public consultation on draft revisions to the Bye-laws commenced on 19 June 2023 and remains open for submissions. I understand that Waterways Ireland has agreed to extend the consultation closing date to facilitate greater public engagement, and an announcement will be made to that effect very shortly.

The consultation has been advertised widely in the national and local press, across social media channels and online. Eight open public consultation Information events have been held along the waterways. A series of webinars has been held for all elected members of relevant local authorities, the Dáil and Seanad Éireann. Waterways Ireland also held on-line meetings with stakeholders including the Inland Waterways Association Ireland (IWAI), Irish Boat Rental Association (IBRA), Royal Canal Amenity Group (RCAG), Heritage Boat Association (HBA) and others.

The public can learn about the proposed changes and participate in the public consultation in the following ways:

1. Via the Waterways Ireland website www.waterwaysireland.org where the draft Bye-laws and the explanatory notes are available to download.

2. By visiting a public library where copies of the draft Byelaws and explanatory notes are available for review.

• by online survey using the link on the Waterways Ireland website,
• by email to corporate@waterwaysireland.organd/or
• by post to the Inspector of Navigation, The Docks, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.