Inland Waterways Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Questions (421)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

421. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will explore all possible options within current fiscal constraints to advance and develop the potential of the Royal and Grand Canal lines that pass through Dublin city; if he will establish an inter-agency group on the Dublin city reaches of the Royal and Grand Canals; if he will explore ways to advance their development by examining funding options, including existing funding streams, leveraging funding from other sources and the possibility of EU funding which may be available. [55464/13]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

As the Deputy may be aware, the Dublin City Canals Study was launched on 20th July 2010. This was prepared by consultants on behalf of Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin Docklands Development Authority and Dublin City Council. The study examined the existing activities on the Royal and Grand Canals and identified an overall vision for the development of the City Canals within the M50. I am advised that following on from the study an Operations Liaison Group plus two sub-groups (one for the Royal Canal and one for the Grand Canal) were established and continue to meet to deliver the recommendations identified, within the current fiscal constraints.

I am informed that to complement the above study, Waterways Ireland engaged additional consultants to carry out a detailed study of Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock with the objective of producing a Master Plan, currently at draft stage, that realises their potential as a recreational amenity and a living, vibrant part of Dublin and its Docklands. Waterways Ireland will continue to work collaboratively to unlock the pivotal role of these two major docks and to attract funding to develop a maritime quarter within the city of Dublin.