Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2007

Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Background
Waterways Ireland, the largest of the North / South Implementation Bodies, is
responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the
inland navigable waterway system throughout the island, principally for recreational
purposes. It is currently responsible for the following waterways:
■ Barrow Navigation;
■ Erne System;
■ Grand Canal;
■ Lower Bann Navigation;
■ Royal Canal;
■ Shannon-Erne Waterway; and
■ Shannon Navigation.
Waterways Ireland was also charged with taking forward appropriate studies and
appraisals in relation to the possible restoration of the Ulster Canal.
At the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting in July 2007, the
Council agreed to proceed with the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal
between Clones and Upper Lough Erne in light of the Irish Government’s offer to cover
the full capital costs of the project. Waterways Ireland’s remit was extended by the
Council, to include responsibility for the restoration of this section of the Canal and,
following restoration, for its management, maintenance, and development principally
for recreational purposes.
1.2 Funding
Waterways Ireland is funded jointly by both jurisdictions, with 15% of current funding
provided by the North and 85% by the South, reflecting the present distribution of
the navigable waterways.
Capital development programmes are funded separately by each jurisdiction.
Following on from the National Development Plan 2000-2006 Waterways Ireland
commenced a further seven year waterways programme under the National
Development Plan 2007 to 2013. It also carried out a separate capital development
programme in Northern Ireland funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and
Leisure (DCAL).
The Body’s current expenditure (on an accruals basis) during 2007 was €35.6 million
(£24.3 million) and €17.6 million (£12 million) was expended on capital projects.
The cash funding received from our sponsor Departments was €47.5 million
(£32.4 million). DCAL made Accruing Superannuation Liability Charges (ASLCs)
to the Department of Finance and Personnel of €0.4 million (£0.3 million).
Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2007
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