asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will take steps to permit the reopening of Richmond harbour, Clondara, County Longford, especially in view of the fact that there are no dry docking facilities on the north Shannon, since Athlone lock gates are closed for repairs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Shannon Harbour.
3.
Richmond harbour is part of the Royal Canal which was closed to navigation in 1961. The lock gates giving access to the harbour are now inoperable and the harbour could not be reopened without considerable expense.
I understand from the Office of Public Works, however, that the installation of new lock gates at Athlone is at present being carried out and that it is hoped that the work will be completed by the end of this month.
Is the Minister aware that section 45 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, empowers his Department, on application, to transfer to any person or organisation or local authority any derelict or unwanted canal or portion thereof? Would the Minister not use his good offices with CIE, who are dragging their feet anyway, to induce the company to hand it over either to a development company or to an organisation so that this harbour may be put into use?
If the Deputy knows of anybody who wants the harbour, I am sure the Minister would be glad to hear about it.
That is not the information so far.
Put it up for sale.