Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2016
113. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a decision has been approved to increase the extended mooring fee from €278 to €1,260 per annum for the Grand Canal area at Sallins, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32491/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Canals Act, 1986, (Bye-laws) 1988 set out the tolls and charges for use of the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation.
Waterways Ireland has developed draft amended bye-laws for the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation which propose changes in the charging for moorings in key locations. The maximum charge under the current bye-laws for use of a boat on the canals for a year and for an extended mooring for a year is €278.
The proposed new bye-laws provide for the management of house boats, extended moorings and residential moorings. They will also modernise the charging regime which has remained unchanged for almost a quarter of a century.
My Department is currently progressing within the Heritage Bill 2016 amendments to the Canals Act 1986 so as to allow for the subsequent making of bye-laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals. The proposed changes would allow Waterways Ireland to make new bye-laws to proactively manage the Royal and Grand Canals, as well as the Barrow Navigation. Once this is complete, Waterways Ireland will bring forward the proposed bye-laws for consideration.
