Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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542. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government why the latest draft of the Waterways Ireland Shannon and Canal Bye-laws has only been shared with an organisation (details supplied), representing only 20% of boaters, and not with other key stakeholders such as recreational users, local communities, and business operators; what steps will be taken to ensure a more inclusive consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44061/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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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 valuable recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.

Waterways Ireland undertook an extensive public consultation over two periods totalling 178 days between June 2023 and February 2024 on the proposed revisions to the Bye-laws.

More than 4,000 invitations to participate were sent to interested groups, public representatives, statutory bodies and the general public. Waterways Ireland held 10 public consultation meetings, facilitated 27 stakeholder meetings and received 1,799 submissions to its consultation. Waterways Ireland also addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Heritage and Local Government on two occasions and the Public Accounts Committee on one occasion where the draft Bye-laws were discussed.

Having considered all contributions to the consultation, Waterways Ireland provided an initial draft of proposed revisions to the Bye-laws to my Department for consideration. Whilst acknowledging the comprehensive consultation undertaken, the dedication and effort that went into developing the proposals and the underlying imperative for the bye-laws to be updated and made fit-for-purpose, I requested that Waterways Ireland reflect further on the proposed fees and charges in light of inflationary and cost-of-living pressures on people day-to-day, and similar cost and pricing pressures in the leisure and tourism sectors.

Waterways Ireland has carefully considered its draft proposals in relation to fees and charges and I am pleased to say, has recently submitted a further revised draft of the Byelaws to my Department for detailed consideration and legal review. This process has just commenced, and will need some time to complete.

It is important to note that no changes can be made to the existing Byelaws, permits, or charges and fees until the legislative process associated with the formal adoption and signing of the Byelaws has concluded.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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543. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government how he plans to address the concerns regarding the suitability of Waterways Ireland facilities for sailing boats of certain draughts and heights, given that these boats are largely confined to the lake but are expected to pay the same fees as all users; the measures he is taking to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44062/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Waterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

The detailed information requested in relation to Waterways Ireland facilities for sailing boats of certain draughts and heights is not held in my Department. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org.