Ireland needs to be 'more ambitious' when it comes to using our waterways to house people, a Waterford TD has said.
It comes after Waterways Ireland told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that 32 residential extended mooring permits have been granted in Ireland.
These are areas where boats can be tied up and people have access to basic facilities like showers.
It is thought, however, that there are actually between 150 and 170 households living on Ireland’s canals.
Green Party Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh told Newstalk Breakfast more needs to be done.
"If you look at the UK, they have about 15,000 people who live on houseboat," he said.
"That's the reason I asked [the question at the PAC] - my cousin used to live on a houseboat over in London at one stage.
"Apparently they only have 32 residential extended mooring permits... I think we can do better.
"I'm not saying that living on a houseboat is going to be the solution to the housing crisis - but I think surely to God if they can get 15,000 people in the UK.... surely to God we can aim a little bit higher than 32".
Waterways 'an afterthought'
Waterways Ireland said the issue comes down to regulation - with the only regulated services in place in areas such as Grand Canal Dock, Sallins and Shannon Harbour.
Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said Ireland should be expanding such facilities.
"I didn't think I was getting a great sense of urgency... I also asked questions about freight, about moving things on the canals," he said.
"That's what the canals were originally built for... and there doesn't seem to be any plans to do that, either.
"To me it feels like our approach to our canals and our waterways it's a little bit unloved, a little bit neglected, it's kind of an afterthought".
'Antiquated by-laws'
The PAC was told increasing services will take "between five and seven years" to develop because houseboat moorings are subject to planning permission.
Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said he doesn't accept the timeframe.
"I know planning in Ireland is a real difficulty... but for a State agency to tell me it'll take five to seven years to basically get a mooring point and a couple of showers for people," he said.
"These by-laws are antiquated, they really need to be updated.
"Waterways Ireland are doing a process at the minute but let's kick that on and let's be a little bit more ambitious," he added.
Waterways Ireland will appear before the Oireachtas Housing Committee this week to discuss by-laws that govern use of Ireland's canals.
Listen back here:
