asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether in view of proposals to close the Royal Canal he will provide for the maintenance of the towpaths in the north city areas as a public amenity and preserve the rights of way thereon hitherto enjoyed by the citizens.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Royal Canal Towpaths.
22.
Major de Valera
I am advised by Córas Iompair Éireann that any rights of way along the towpaths of the Royal Canal which may exist will not be affected by the closing of the Canal.
Córas Iompair Éireann and the Dublin Corporation are in consultation about the future of the section of the Royal Canal between Liffey Junction and Spencer Dock which has already been closed to navigation under existing legislation. I will suggest to these bodies that consideration might also be given to the preservation of the tow-paths in the north city area as a public amenity.
What is entailed in the closing of the canal? If it means saving money, does it mean saving it at the cost of cleaning the canals because that is more important than the tow-paths, if the canals are not to be full of junk?
Dublin Corporation and C.I.E. have already been in contact in regard to the cleaning of the Grand Canal and I am sure if there is any matter they can legally discuss on the question they will do so.
Will the Minister give us any indication in regard to the proposals which Deputy de Valera raised earlier to-day?