asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, further to his statements of 17th June with regard to the desirability of expanding boating holidays on Irish rivers, he will state whether Bord Fáilte or any other agency are carrying out surveys of other major Irish rivers, apart from the Shannon, with a view to encouraging the increase of this type of tourism, and, if so, what rivers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Boating Holidays.
4.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that they have carried out a survey of the major rivers with a view to determining their potentialities for tourist development and have decided to concentrate, for the time being at any rate, on the Shannon.
Can we assume that includes the canal?
A decision on the canal will be taken later. The canal at the moment is open for navigation.
May I assume the canal is not going to be filled in?
Sin ceist eile.
Ní headh.
CIE are obliged to maintain the canal in navigable condition as long as there is traffic upon it. There is traffic upon it and they must, therefore, maintain it in navigable condition. Any other step taken would require legislation.