Inland Waterways.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2005

Tuesday, 22 March 2005

Questions (373)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

373 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which his Department is prepared to assist tourism projects on inland waterways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/05]

Written answers

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

As the Deputy will be aware, Waterways Ireland, which the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs co-sponsors, is a North-South Implementation Body established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. It has responsibility for the management, maintenance and development of inland waterways principally for recreational purposes.

The inland waterways provide an important tourist attraction in their own right. Waterways Ireland supports the tourism potential of the waterways by promoting through its marketing and promotion strategy, the increased use of inland waterways in accordance with its mandate.

My Department's grant to Waterways Ireland for 2005 is €33.216 million.