Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
247. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason persons living on houseboats are being evicted from the Grand Canal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16759/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan recently met the Acting CEO of Waterways Ireland to discuss, among other issues, sustainable urban canals and their communities.
Our canals and navigable waterways are essential components of our built and natural heritage. Invested in , they accommodate unique and vibrant communities, harbour biodiversity and host youth and leisure amenities.At the aforementioned meeting, the issue of houseboats on the Grand Canal was discussed. I can confirm that Waterways Ireland will not be removing any genuine and legitimate houseboats or so-called “live-aboards”I understand that Waterways Ireland will engage now in a collaborative process with all stakeholders around finding a long term, sustainable solution to regularise the use of the canals, recognising the cultural and heritage value of our canal network as living communities of people and ecology. The process, with community and sustainability at its heart will seed the future strategy.
Waterways Ireland is working on a ten-year strategy for the development of Ireland’s inland waterways. As part of this exercise, it will examine all opportunities to develop, over the next decade, initiatives for each of its navigations. These will include areas on and along the country’s inland waterways infrastructure. Plans will be consistent with its remit; its funding; and the importance of consultation and engagement with the many diverse groups within the catchment areas.
Waterways Ireland is continuing its work to regularise compliance with the bye-laws on the canals with an immediate priority to remove derelict and abandoned boats.
