Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase access to water for canoeing; and if he will make a statement. [87886]
§ Angela SmithThe Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure has a water recreation remit which allows it to provide and improve facilities for promoting the recreational or navigational use of waterways. The Department has funded the installation of public canoe steps and associated facilities on a number of Northern Ireland rivers under this programme. The Department is also administering a European-funded Water Recreation Development Programme 2001–04 for projects designed to develop the inland waterway network and improve water recreation facilities available to both local and tourist users.
915WIn December this year the Countryside Access and Activities Network for Northern Ireland (CAAN) published a Report on "Canoeing in Northern Ireland—Strategic Review" which sets out a recommended way forward for the future development of canoeing.