I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 427 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the public consultation process on the draft bye-laws referred to concluded on 3 February last. I am informed by Waterways Ireland that a general synopsis reveals that in excess of two thousand submissions were received from a wide variety of interests, including, but not exclusively, individual citizens, businesses, boat owners, organisations affiliated to the waterways such as the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, Councils, communities and local representatives.
I am advised that Waterways Ireland is currently conducting an analysis of all submissions received during the consultation process, including those received in support of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland’s position in regards to the draft bye-laws.
Once the analysis has been completed, all submissions will be given due consideration by Waterways Ireland and a report on the outcome of the process will be prepared. The report will be forwarded to my Department and will be then be referred to me with recommendations for consideration and final decision.