Deborah Erskine, Democratic Unionist MLA and Chairwoman of Stormont’s Infrastructure Committee, has raised concerns over the need to update the Erne by-laws in light of changing usage and safety requirements of Northern Ireland’s waterways.

"In evidence to the Infrastructure Committee, Waterways Ireland officials advised that there is an aspiration that, at some point, once that work is completed, we will revisit the Erne by-laws to update them as well," Mrs. Erskine stated.

"The way in which we use our waterways and safety around them has changed significantly over the years — I see that issue as a local MLA — and updates to the by-laws need to reflect that. What discussions, if any, has the North/South Ministerial Council had on updating the Erne by-laws? If there have been no discussions, will you give the House a commitment that you will raise that issue?"

In response, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd of Sinn Féin clarified the process for updating the by-laws: "I understand that, once work has been completed in relation to the by-laws in the South, Waterways Ireland will move towards a consultation on its by-laws in the North. A consultation will be produced, and Members and other interested parties will be able to respond to that before it goes further," Minister O'Dowd explained.