1895. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if following a breakdown in negotiations between the two bodies, his Department will facilitate mediation between Waterways Ireland and an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59126/26]

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 and the organisation referred to met in person on Monday 20 July, and that a range of issues were discussed including the proposed revisions to the Canal Bye-laws and the draft houseboat mooring investment programme. It is also my understanding that several position papers and considerations are to be exchanged between the organisation referred to and Waterways Ireland and that both organisations agreed to meet again in the near future.