Phil Hogan
Question:21 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress by Waterways Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16649/04]
View answerThursday, 3 June 2004
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Waterways Ireland was established on 2 December 1999 as one of the six North-South implementation bodies. Its functions are the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the island's inland navigable waterway system, principally for recreational purposes. Waterways Ireland was also charged with taking forward appropriate studies and appraisals on the possible restoration of the Ulster Canal.
Since its inception in 1999, Waterways Ireland has set up its headquarters in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and also regional offices in Scarriff, Carrick-on-Shannon and Dublin. It has built up its organisation by recruiting administrative, professional and technical staff. The body currently employs some 333 staff, North and South. The body has produced corporate and business plans, which outline the navigational, operational, technical, corporate, promotional and marketing strategies for the body. Work has begun on the corporate plan for 2005-2007.
In 2003 and 2004, Waterways Ireland continued with the development of the inland waterways on a care and maintenance basis, following the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive with effect from 14 October 2002. Waterways Ireland continues to carry out an extensive programme of works to maintain the critical infrastructure of the waterways and to develop boating and other amenities. My own Department's allocation to Waterways Ireland for 2004 amounts to €32,454,000. Waterways Ireland has published its annual reports and accounts for the years 1999-2000, 2001 and 2002, which are available in the Oireachtas Library.