Waterways Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 October 2023

Wednesday, 4 October 2023

Questions (131, 132)

Bríd Smith

Question:

131. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houseboats currently moored on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow navigation; if, in the event the revisions currently proposed to the canals by-laws by Waterways Ireland are adopted, he will outline the projected number of houseboats that will be permitted to moor on these canals; the projected number of current houseboat residents who will lose their homes; the contingency plans that have been made to provide housing for any existing houseboat residents rendered homeless under the new canal by-laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42858/23]

Bríd Smith

Question:

132. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current mooring fees levied on houseboats moored on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow navigation under the existing canals by-laws; if he will outline, in the event that the revisions currently proposed to the canals by-laws by Waterways Ireland are adopted, the mooring or houseboat permit fees that will be levied on houseboats; the percentage increase which this represents in mooring fees for individual houseboats; the justification for the introduction of such an unprecedented increase in fees under the new canal by-laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42859/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

Waterways Ireland is proposing to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over these decades. There is an open public consultation on the proposed changes, and all submissions made to that consultation will be considered in framing any future changes to the bye-laws, including in respect of houseboat permits and associated standards. Information on how to make a submissions is available on the Waterways Ireland website at waterwaysireland.org.

The information requested, in respect of the number of houseboats and the fees levied for mooring on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation, is not held in my Department, however arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is: [e-mail].

Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 131.