Vol. 498 No. 3
147 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason people are not allowed reside on house boats on the canals in Dublin; and the change, if any, in this policy which has been considered. [27085/98]
As stated in the Grand Canal Corridor study, July 1994, house boats require similar services provision to other forms of residential development, in terms of electricity, water supply, telecommunications, sewage and refuse disposal; secure car parking and a generally secure environment are also required.
There are also navigational considerations in that permanently moored boats could seriously obstruct the navigation and, of course, there are general issues relating to planning controls.
In the light of these circumstances, Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, has not permitted the use of house boats on the canals in Dublin and I have no plans at present to change this policy.
