IW JC 26 May 2010
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Inland Waterways Joint Communique 26 May 2010 (PDF Format 28.6 KB)
Inland Waterways Joint Communique 26 May 2010 (PDF Format 28.6 KB)
NORTH SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL
INLAND WATERWAYS SECTORAL FORMAT
INLAND WATERWAYS SECTORAL FORMAT
NSMC JOINT SECRETARIAT OFFICES, ARMAGH
26 MAY 2010
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ
1. The eleventh North South Ministerial Council meeting in Inland Waterways sectoral format was held at the NSMC Joint Secretariat offices in Armagh on 26 May 2010.
2. The meeting was attended by Pat Carey TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Nelson McCausland MLA, Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Caitríona Ruane MLA, Minister of Education. Minister Carey chaired the meeting.
Progress Report
3. The Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland, Mr John Martin, presented a progress report including the following significant achievements:
- Waterways Ireland had recently won the coveted O2 Ability Awards 2010 for “Environmental Accessibility” and also achieved the status of “Ability Company” in the categories “Environmental Accessibility” and “Customer Service” ;
- the provision of 186 metres of additional moorings this year;
- the completion of the dredging of Richmond Harbour to allow the reconnection of the Royal Canal to the Shannon;
- the official opening of the Royal Canal is planned for the end of September this year;
- the provision of new publications to promote and support the use of the waterways and the sponsoring of key events on the waterways in 2010;
- Waterways Ireland is one of 17 partners from 11 EU countries, along with Norway and Serbia, involved in an EU INTERREG IVC (Transnational Programme) project entitled 'Waterways Forward' (formerly Inland Waterways of Europe). As part of the 3 year project Waterways Ireland will host a meeting of the 17 partner representatives in late 2011.
Business Plan and Budget 2010
4. The Council discussed the main priorities for Waterways Ireland in 2010 and reviewed progress in finalising the business plan and budget.
Restoration of the Clones-Upper Lough Erne Section of the Ulster Canal
5. The Council received a progress report on the restoration work for the Clones to Upper Lough Erne section of the Ulster Canal. The Council noted that work on the Strategic Environmental Assessment is ongoing and due to be completed by mid 2010 with work on the Environmental Impact Assessment due for completion in late 2010. They also noted that a preferred route from a technical / engineering point of view had been identified.
The Shannon Erne Waterway
6. The Council received a presentation from Waterways Ireland on the development of the Shannon Erne Waterway and discussed the developments that have taken place since it reopened. The presentation focussed on the reconstruction of the original Ballinamore/Ballyconnell canal as the Shannon Erne Waterway.
Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Draft Accounts 2009
7. The Council noted the Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Draft Accounts for 2009.
Compulsory Purchase Order
8. The Council consented to a Compulsory Purchase Order relating to acquisitions south of Lough Ennell, which will facilitate water supplies on the Royal Canal.
Next Meeting
9. The Council agreed to meet again in Inland Waterways sectoral format in the Autumn of 2010.
Joint Secretariat
26 May 2010
