Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to undertake studies on the feasibility of extending navigation on the River Erne from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra, County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39798/18]
View answerWaterways Ireland manages and maintains the navigation on the River Erne in County Cavan as part of the Shannon – Erne Waterway. Waterways Ireland public jetties are provided in both Belturbet and Kilconny and the navigation channel is provided with navigation markers and signage as and where required. The upper limit of the managed navigation on the River Erne is currently just below Erne Bridge between Belturbet and Kilconny.
I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that a number of studies have been undertaken since the late 1980’s to examine the feasibility of extending the navigation upstream from Belturbet to Lough Oughter. The results of these studies have not been taken forward due to budgetary constraints, extent of assessments required, anticipated impacts on the designated habitat, constraints on works due to environmental legislation, and the remit of Waterways.
There may however be potential in the waters of the Lough Oughter area being promoted as a distinct Blueway. While I understand from Waterways Ireland that they have no plans to develop a Blueway in Lough Oughter, Blueways Ireland - a group that includes the National Trails Office, Canoeing Ireland and a range of other state bodies involved in, or with an interest in the development of Blueways - is currently considering the establishment of Blueways beyond the Waterways Ireland network of inland waterways.
To this end, Waterways Ireland has met with the Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Council officials and elected representatives concerning Blueways developed successfully on the Waterways Ireland network and to advise on possible ways forward.
Waterways Ireland is happy to support Cavan County Council with professional and expert advice should it decide to develop a Blueway on the River Erne from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra.
