Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
437. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she either by direction or through Waterways Ireland has reached agreement with traditional canal dwellers and canal recreational users with regard to draft proposals to increase the costs to traditional users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12142/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra438. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she expects to achieve an amicable resolution of issues between Irish Waterways and traditional dwellers and recreational users of the Grand Canal, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12143/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 together.
As I stated in my reply to Question No. 440 from the Deputy on 31 January 2017, Waterways Ireland continues to work closely with boat owners using the canals, canal users, land owners and representative groups. Contact is on-going between Waterways Ireland and the canal users groups, and local communities who support the efforts of Waterways Ireland in the maintenance and operation of the canals.
As the Deputy may be aware, provisions to amend the Canals Act 1986 in order to allow for the subsequent making of bye laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals are contained in the Heritage Bill 2016. The proposed changes would allow Waterways Ireland to proactively manage the Royal and Grand Canals and the Barrow Navigation. As the Deputy will be aware, the 1988 Canal Bye Laws have been in force for almost 30 years and need to be revised to reflect changes in the use of the canals over the intervening years.
The Heritage Bill 2016 is now at Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann, most recently on 9 March 2017. Deputies and Senators will have the opportunity to consider the Bill as it passes through the various stages of enactment.
