Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 March 2015
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which discussions are taking place with persons and representatives of canal dwellers and recreational users of the canals with a view to reducing the costs highlighted in a previous draft report; if she expects to be in a position to meet the concerns of those involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10720/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question No. 654 on 10 February 2015. I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the proposed bye-laws that Waterways Ireland intends to make in order to enhance the management of the canals for all canal users.
Waterways Ireland undertook a public consultation process in relation to the proposed bye-laws in 2014. I am advised that the main stakeholders, including the Inland Waterway Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association, the Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Irish Boat Rental Association, were contacted individually and invited to meet with Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their views. The current permit holders, including traditional canal users and canal dwellers on the Royal and Grand Canals and the Barrow Navigation, received individual written notices and were also given the opportunity to make their views known.
I understand that over 2,000 submissions were made in the course of the public consultation process. A summary of the consultation process and of the submissions received is available on the Waterways Ireland website at http://www.waterwaysireland.org/public-consultation.
The current position is that there is ongoing engagement between Waterways Ireland and my Department with a view to finalising the draft bye-laws which will be referred to me with recommendations for consideration and final decision. It is my intention to afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making a final decision on the draft bye-laws.
