Inland Waterways.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2006

Tuesday, 28 February 2006

Ceisteanna (312)

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

343 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the maximum berthing time for boats moored at the Waterways Museum moorings at Grand Canal Basin in Dublin; if he intends to permit medium or long-term mooring at this site, either at all moorings or at a certain percentage of moorings, in view of the fact that it is the only secure mooring site in Dublin city; the fees he intends to have charged for such moorings; the alterations which are being made to the Waterways Ireland centre at Grand Canal Basin; the cost of these alterations; the expected completion date of these alterations; if these alterations include changes to the moorings at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7756/06]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The matter raised by the Deputy is the responsibility of Waterways Ireland, a North-South Implementation Body established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999.

I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the maximum period for mooring boats on the Grand Canal is contained in the by-laws for the canal, which provide that, "no person shall moor a boat on the canals or within 500 metres of the same place for more than 5 days without the appropriate permit."

I understand from Waterways Ireland that it has no plans at present to increase these limits. However, it is currently reviewing all the by-laws for the waterways within its remit, including the issue of fees, and proposes to go to public consultation on the matter later this year.

With regard to the visitor centre at the Grand Canal Basin, certain refurbishment works are under consideration at present by Waterways Ireland in the context of ongoing discussions with a developer seeking to progress a mixed use development on an adjacent site. I understand that Waterways Ireland is seeking to have the cost of the refurbishment works at the visitor centre included as part of the overall development scheme. Waterways Ireland estimates that the scheme, including the refurbishment works, would be completed within two years of its commencement. Alterations would not be required to the existing mooring facilities in the Grand Canal Basin and alternative public access would be maintained throughout the development period.