Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
524. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total capital expenditure on Inland Waterways in 2025; the funding provided for 2026; the projects that will be progressed by Waterways Ireland with this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73697/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement 1998 and operates under the overall policy direction of the North South Ministerial Council. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The current expenditure of the body is funded 85% by my Department and 15% by the Department for Infrastructure which reflects the distribution of the navigable waterways in each jurisdiction. Capital expenditure is funded 100% in the jurisdiction in which the capital works are carried out.
In 2025, my Department provided €16.8 million in capital funding to Waterways Ireland, The total capital allocation for 2026 for Waterways Ireland will be included in the Revised Estimates Volume when published.
The detailed information requested in relation to all projects that will be progressed by Waterways Ireland in 2026 is not held in my Department. However, 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 oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org.
