Vol. 520 No. 1
329 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the responsibilities of her Department in relation to dredging, excavation or alteration of river sources, basins, streams and waterways; and the degree of permission required to carry out any of these works. [15364/00]
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, any development works in relation to certain inland navigable waterways, and the powers to carry out these works, is now a matter for Waterways Ireland. Works which might adversely affect any river sources or other areas referred to by the Deputy, which come within the scope of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997, would require an assessment in accordance with these regulations.
