asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his attention has been drawn to reports recently appearing in the press that the canals in Dublin are to be concreted over and used as relief sewers; whether C.I.E. are in fact considering any such proposals for the utilisation of the canals; and, if so, whether any decision in the matter has yet been reached.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Utilisation of Dublin Canals.
6.
The city sections of the Grand Canal cannot be legally closed to navigation by C.I.E. unless and until there has been no public navigation thereon for at least three years.
Navigation on the city sections of the Royal Canal has ceased.
Does the last observation of the Minister indicate that there may be an intention to close those canals where navigation has ceased in the city and use them for this purpose?
Navigation on the Royal Canal ceased many years ago. It is being made into a road. Part of the Royal Canal is being made into a highway.
Is it the intention to close it up and use it as a relief sewer?
No decision has been made with regard to the Grand Canal.
The remainder of the Royal Canal?
Inquiries would have to be made about that. The Royal Canal has already been abandoned by C.I.E. and charged to the Dublin Corporation. Nothing will happen without contact and negotiation with the Dublin Corporation.
The Minister will observe that the question speaks not of the Grand Canal but the canals— the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal. He differentiates between them?
The whole of the Royal Canal is closed to navigation under the Transport Act.
There is no present intention of using it as a relief sewer?
The Deputy would have to ask the Dublin Corporation about that. They, and not C.I.E., would be undertaking work of that kind.
The Minister knows of no proposal to turn the remainder of the Royal Canal into a closed relief sewer?
No.
Is the Minister aware that the Grand Canal is being currently used and thus is not in the category where it can be closed by C.I.E.?
It is open to navigation. I could not say how many vessels use it. It has to be kept open for navigation for a number of years after the passing of the 1958 Act. Then a decision will be made as to whether it will be closed completely or not. That decision has not yet been taken. There will naturally be negotiations with the Dublin Corporation before any decision is taken.
If the canal were properly cleaned up, it could be a very nice waterway in the city of Dublin. Would the Minister agree to use his good offices with C.I.E. or the Dublin Corporation to put this waterway in a proper condition? It could be a source of considerable enjoyment to many citizens.
Arrangements have been made between Dublin Corporation and C.I.E. to have the canal kept clean. I have not had any complaints recently in regard to the matter.
The Minister might. use an hour or two this week-end to take a walk by the canal when he will see the situation for himself. A goodly portion of the canal still needs to be cleaned properly and cleaned, could be a source of great enjoyment to many people.