Inland Waterways.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Ceisteanna (589)

Jack Wall

Ceist:

589 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied with the development of inland waterways and the workings of Waterways Ireland since the amalgamation of the bodies under the Good Friday Agreement; the number of meetings the Minister has had with Waterways Ireland; if he is concerned that inland marinas have not been developed and the loss of a major tourist initiative through the development of boating holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8894/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

Waterways Ireland is one of the six North-South implementation bodies established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. I have met the company once since my Department was established in June 2002 during a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council. It has not been possible to hold such meetings since the suspension of the institutions in the North. My officials, together with officials from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North, meet the organisation on a monthly basis. The development of inland marinas is not a problem for Waterways Ireland. It would be happy to discuss any case the Deputy has in mind.