1872. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on when the proposed Waterways Ireland canal by-laws will be approved and finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62624/26]

Waterways Ireland proposes to update the Shannon bye-laws and canal bye-laws, which are more than 30 years old. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over the past thirty years. The purpose of updating the bye-laws is to make the waterways safer for those using the waterways, blueways and greenways, and continue to provide a valuable recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.

Waterways Ireland undertook an extensive public consultation over two periods totalling 178 days between June 2023 and February 2024 on the proposed revisions to the bye-laws.

More than 4,000 invitations to participate were sent to interested groups, public representatives, statutory bodies and the general public. Waterways Ireland held 10 public consultation meetings, facilitated 27 stakeholder meetings and received 1,799 submissions to its consultation. Waterways Ireland also addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage on a number of occasions and the Public Accounts Committee on one occasion where the draft bye-laws were discussed.

The draft bye-laws are currently with my Department for detailed consideration and legal review. The outcome of this review will inform the next steps to be taken.

It is important to note that no changes can be made to the existing bye-laws, permits, or charges and fees until the legislative process associated with the formal adoption and signing of the bye-laws has concluded.