asked the Minister for Finance whether he has received representations from the Monaghan Urban District Council in connection with the acquisition of the abandoned Ulster Canal so that its orderly development might be undertaken; and what steps he proposes to take in regard to these representations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Ulster Canal.
45.
Representations have been received from the Monaghan Urban District Council regarding the possibility of acquiring the abandoned Ulster Canal within and around Monaghan town. The matter is being examined in conjunction with the Department of Local Government and the Office of Public Works. Further information is necessary regarding the specific purpose and development works which the council have in mind and the consequential effects of the transfer on other parts of the canal. It is not, therefore, possible to give a decision at this stage.
Is the Minister aware this matter has been under consideration by the Board of Works for more than ten years? Can the Minister hold out any prospect of some solution to the problem being arrived at?
It has been under consideration for ten years. The Deputy is perfectly right in that. I think it came under active consideration only within the past few months.
I suspect that answer has been given repeatedly during the past 15 years.
I do not think so.
I understand it may be necessary to contemplate legislation to take power to transfer the ownership of this abandoned canal to somebody. In fact, I doubt if ownership of the abandoned canal is at present very clear. Can the Minister hold out any prospect that any contemplated legislation will be introduced in the near future?
I am told that legal opinion is that, as the canal has lain derelict for a number of years—I think 15 years—it might now, for legal purposes, be regarded as being in State ownership. Although I may be wrong. I do not think legislation will be necessary.
If it is in State ownership, does this action of consideration the Minister speaks about to-day presage a decision as to the problem of Monaghan urban district council within this year?
The Minister for Local Government comes into this. He must be satisfied, first, that the local council needs this canal for some useful purpose and, second, that they can acquire it on reasonable terms.
If these two conditions are satisfied, we could reasonably hope for an early solution?
I think so, yes.