Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
440. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which any outstanding contentious issues between Waterways Ireland and canal residents or canal recreational users on the Grand Canal have been resolved amicably; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4600/17]
View answerWaterways Ireland continues to work closely with boat owners using the canals, and adjacent land owners and representative groups. As part of this engagement, meetings are held with key stakeholder interest groups, the Royal Canal Amenity Group, Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) and the Heritage Boat Association (HBA). In addition, Waterways Ireland works alongside the Friends of the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal Clean-Up Group in Dublin who like many of the communities who live close to and use the waterways support the efforts of Waterways Ireland in the maintenance and operation of the canals.
Waterways Ireland staff meet canal users on a daily basis and provide a wide range of service as well as managing boat use on the canals in accordance with the 1988 Canal bye-laws and regularly inspect canal boats for compliance. In this regard, Waterways Ireland actively pursues boat owners who are in breach of the Canal Bye-laws.
In areas where boat owners have refused to move from berths, consultation with the Heritage Boat Association and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland has been undertaken, and proposals for use of these berths are being taken forward to protect these public recreational amenities and ensure moorings are available for boats touring on the canal system.
Question No. 441 answered with Question No. 431.
