asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether Dublin Corporation have consulted with his Department regarding the use of the bed of the Grand Canal for laying a new sewer from Inchicore to Ringsend; if so, if he will state the nature of such consultations; and whether he will require that, should the bed of the canal be so used, the canal will be maintained as a waterway, having regard to its tourist potential and its amenity value.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grand Canal Sewer.
39.
Mr. Ryan
There has been no consultation by the Dublin Corporation with my Department about the use of the bed of the Grand Canal as a sewer. The remaining parts of the Deputy's question do not therefore arise. I should, however, like to point out that under the terms of Section 23 of the Transport Act, 1958, CIE may not close the canal to navigation until a period of three years has elapsed since it was last used for public navigation.
May I take it from what the Minister says that no application has recently been received from CIE to close the canal?
No, none.