In 1998 a joint project between Dúchas, the waterways section of my Department, and Dublin Corporation was initiated to upgrade two pilot stretches of the city canals, from La Touche Bridge, Portobello to Robert Emmet Bridge, Harold's Cross on the Grand Canal and from Newcomen Bridge to Russell Street Bridge on the Royal Canal. The proposals were placed on public display last February at a number of venues, including The Civic Offices, Rathmines Library, Charleville Mall Library, and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Mespil Road. The response from the public and interested bodies has been generally constructive.
It should be noted that Waterways Ireland, a North-South Implementation Body for inland waterways, was established on 2 December 1999 on foot of the British-Irish Agreement and the supplementary implementation bodies agreement signed in March 1999. It has the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterways systems throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes.
Accordingly, Waterways Ireland, together with Dublin Corporation, will consider all the submissions that have arisen out of the public consultation process, including the issue of seating.