Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.

Willie Penrose

Question:

337 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if, in view of the major navigation works which are now taking place on the canals across the country and the obvious necessity for barges to allow people participate in the recreational enjoyment of these facilities, her Department is allocating grants to individuals or entrepreneurs, who wish to engage in the construction of barges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18535/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

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.

I understand that Waterways Ireland has no plans to allocate grants to individuals or entrepreneurs, who wish to engage in the construction of barges.