Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
311. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider giving additional funding to an organisation (details supplied) to allow it to enhance the Grand Canal from Harold’s Cross Bridge to Park West Bridge. [19166/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland's work programmes are critical to providing a safe and high quality recreational environment for the public, whilst also preserving the industrial and environmental heritage of the waterways for future generations. These challenges must be balanced with its objective of increasing recreational activity across all our waterways.
Waterways Ireland maintains the waters and banks of the Grand Canal on a rotating programme of maintenance along its length. Maintenance is complex and takes time, requiring a boat, staff and removal equipment operating in the water. Dumping of waste in the canal and along its banks continues to be challenging. Waterways Ireland has confirmed that operations staff based in Dublin will visit the specified area and assess if there are interim actions can be undertaken.
Waterways Ireland has invested in supporting education initiatives along the canal as part of its commitment to biodiversity and the environment and will continue to undertake the maintenance and education programmes as circumstances allow.
The Estimates for 2020 have provided for an allocation of €25,663,000 for Waterways Ireland, made up of €21,283,000 in Current funding and €4,380,000 in Capital funding. This is an overall increase of €546,000 on the original 2019 allocation. Funding for Waterways Ireland is for investment in the management, maintenance and development of the inland waterways under its control. Any proposed works to be carried out are an operational matter for Waterways Ireland which will take into account its strategic business objectives for the waterways network.
