1810. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his position on the accountability of Waterways Ireland to this State; and the way in which management of this public body may change under this Government. [59970/26]

Waterways Ireland is North-South Body under the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999. It was established without a Board, with the functions of the Agency being exercised by a Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, under the direction of the North South Ministerial Council.

In 2021, the North South Ministerial Council agreed that officials from the Sponsor Departments, in consultation with the Joint Secretariat of the NSMC would explore options for the establishment of a Board to oversee the work of Waterways Ireland. This matter remains under consideration, with a view to bringing proposals to a future meeting of the Council.