IW JC 26 June 2002
Inland Waterways Sector
Belfast, Wednesday 26th June 2002
Joint Communiqué
1. A meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in the Inland Waterways Sector was held in Belfast, on Wednesday, 26 June 2002. The meeting dealt with issues relating to Waterways Ireland, which is one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies.
2. The Northern Ireland Administration was represented by Mr Michael McGimpsey MLA, Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, who chaired the meeting and Mrs Carmel Hanna MLA, Minister for Employment and Learning. The Irish Government was represented by Mr Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Progress Report by Chief Executive
3. The Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland, Mr John Martin, presented a report to the Council on developments in the period November 2001 to June 2002. The Council noted the Report which included the following highlights:
- The budget for Waterways Ireland for 2002 is approximately €37m / £23m.
- There has been advancement of major capital projects on the Grand and Royal Canals and refurbishment of a number of Lough Erne Moorings. A contract for a major road bridge on the Royal Canal was let recently and is progressing satisfactorily. The programme for the Shannon Navigation includes three projects at Ballyleague, Scarriff and Shannonbridge. Work is underway on one and will commence on the other two in the near future. Design work for a number of projects under the National Development Plan is continuing.
- Waterways Ireland will be holding a number of seminars at a number of locations at which interested parties will be invited to give their views on the marketing/promotion of the waterways.
- A logo and associated identity has been finalized and is being included in all Waterways Ireland documentation.
- The Annual Statement of Accounts 2000 has been certified by the Comptrollers and Auditors General, North and South.
Approval of Corporate Plan
4. The Council approved Waterways Ireland's Corporate and Business Plan 2002- 2004 subject to budgetary/estimates processes in both jurisdictions. This Plan sets Waterways Ireland's strategy, actions and targets to undertake its remit of managing, maintaining, developing and restoring the inland navigable waterway system on the island, principally for recreational purposes, during the three year period to December 2004.
Approval of proposal for a permanent headquarters in Enniskillen
5. The Council considered the three shortlisted sites for provision of a permanent headquarters building in Enniskillen and the final decision is expected to be made shortly. The Council also noted the current position on accommodation for the three Regional Offices in Scarriff, Carrick-on-Shannon and Dublin.
Approval of New Targeting Social Need Action (NTSN) Plan
6. The Council approved Waterways Ireland's NTSN Plan. The Council had previously approved its draft NTSN Plan for public consultation. This revised plan incorporates amendments in light of the responses received.
Approval of Equality Scheme
7. The Council gave its approval to Waterways Ireland's Equality Scheme for formal submission to the Equality Commission. This follows Waterways Ireland's comprehensive consultation process and the incorporation of amendments to the draft Scheme by the Equality Commission.
Recruitment to staff of Waterways Ireland
8. Recruitment in administrative grades has been on-going since the last NSMC meeting in this Sector in November 2001. Advertisements for professional and technical posts are being currently placed in the newspapers.
Ulster Canal
9. The Council noted a progress report on the Ulster Canal Feasibility Study which included a briefing on a public meeting held in Monaghan organized by the Inland Waterways Association and the Ulster Waterways Group to raise awareness of the subject and which was attended by over 200 people.
Date of Next Meeting
The Council agreed to meet again in this Sector in the South in Autumn 2002.
Joint Secretariat
26 June 2002
26 June 2002