Waterways Issues

Wednesday, 18 September 2024

Ceisteanna (403)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

403. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that Waterways Ireland has admitted several large commercial developments have been built on, or encroached onto, its property; who is responsible for these developments in the event of an accident; if they are insured by the operators of the unauthorised developments; and if not, if they are insured by Waterways Ireland and liable in the event of an accident in these unauthorised developments. [36643/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Waterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

I am informed that Waterways Ireland has identified the existence of more than four hundred alleged encroachments on its property and has established a dedicated team to review each and to regularise, as appropriate. Waterways Ireland estimates that completion of this process will take between 3 and 5 years.

The detailed information requested in relation to particular alleged encroachments or unauthorised developments on property owned by Waterways Ireland is not held in my Department. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org.

Question No. 404 answered with Question No. 369.