Waterways Ireland's budget for 2003 is €35.89 million. As a North-South implementation body under the Good Friday Agreement, it is jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North. My Department's contribution for 2003 is €30.494 million. This is made up of €19.415 million current, 85% of the total current budget, and €11.079 million for capital, which is funded on a jurisdictional basis. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is contributing €3.426 million current, 15%, and €1.97 million capital, bringing its total to €5.396 million.
When the document referred to by the Deputy was prepared in early September 2002, the final allocation for Waterways Ireland for 2003 had not been made and my Department was concerned to ensure that an adequate amount would be secured to facilitate the work of Waterways Ireland. In the event, the agreed southern figure of €30.494 million was deemed to be a reasonable outcome.
At this stage Waterways Ireland is preparing a detailed business plan outlining its full programme of works for 2003 North and South. The body is satisfied that the allocation is adequate to fund a full programme.
In relation to its promotion and marketing programmes, Waterways Ireland recently underwent a consultation process with various interested parties to facilitate finalisation of its plans. The results of this process will feed into its work on the finalisation of a marketing and promotions strategy. This strategy will form the basis for its marketing and promotions remit over the next three years. Waterways Ireland anticipates that it will become much more active in this area when the strategy is in place.
The capital allocated for 2003 includes provision for a regional office in Scarriff and a contribution towards a new headquarters building in Enniskillen. Funding for the Carrick-on-Shannon project was not sought for 2003 as this project is at an early stage. A preliminary site survey has been completed and assuming confirmation of the site, design work will be carried out this year with a view to going to tender in 2004.