Waterways Ireland is the cross-border navigational authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development and promotion of over 1,000 km of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes.
The body's responsibilities include the issuing of permits / mooring locations and ensuring adherence to the Canals Bye Laws by vessel owners.
Any changes to the infrastructure on the Grand Canal would require extensive consultation and engagement with all stakeholders including Dublin City Council, detailed feasibility studies, impact assessments, planning applications, and identification of suitable capital budget and associated future current budget for sustainable management of a changed infrastructure.
Waterways Ireland is presently undertaking a 10-year strategic review. As part of this exercise, it will examine all opportunities to develop, over the next 10 years, initiatives for each of its navigations. These will include areas on and along the Grand Canal consistent with its remit, funding and the importance of consultation and engagement with the many diverse groups within the catchment areas.
Waterways Ireland expects the 10-year strategic review to be available for consultation in Q4 2020.