asked the Minister for Local Government the present position in relation to the provision of urgently needed increased drainage for the south-west area of Dublin city and county; whether the steps which will be taken will obviate the need to close the Grand Canal as a waterway; whether he has approved the corporation's proposals in the matter; if he will state the present nature of such proposals, particularly in relation to the future existence of the canal as a waterway, when the additional drainage will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin City and County Drainage.
24.
Proposals by Dublin Corporation for the drainage of the south-west Dublin area which would have involved closing a section of the Grand Canal were referred back to the corporation in January, 1964, for reconsideration and investigation of possible alternative solutions. Further technical information was subsequently supplied by the corporation and discussions took place between technical officers of the corporation and my Department. The present position is that possible alternatives to the route along the canal are being examined in my Department. It is not possible at this stage to give any indication as to when the additional drainage will be provided.
Are we to understand that the possible alternative solutions to this include a solution which would not have necessitated the closing of the canal as a waterway?
Yes.