asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the continuing anxiety felt by parents of young children in the areas adjoining the unprotected Grand Canal in Dublin because neither Dublin Corporation nor Córas Iompair Éireann has rendered the canal banks safe for children; and if, in the circumstances, he will take action and make a statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unprotected Canal Banks.
18.
I am not so aware. Dublin Corporation, as the appropriate sanitary authority, have power to take action in accordance with the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1964 to render dangerous places safe. I understand that the corporation have been advised that the Grand Canal, per se, does not constitute a dangerous place as defined in section 1 of that Act. It would be open to the corporation to consider any representations made that particular portions of the canal might for special reasons be regarded as dangerous.
In view of the close proximity of large stretches of the canal to densely populated areas, including corporation estates and corporation flats which, by reason of the regulations which apply to the granting of accommodation, must have a large number of children in them, would the Minister use his good offices with both bodies to ensure that along these stretches of the canal an adequate fence is put up to prevent any further tragedies afflicting people who reside in these areas?
I understand that the corporation are considering dealing with the Grand Canal in a certain way. I do not know whether that is what the Deputy has in mind.
That is a very large question which will probably take years to resolve. What we are asking for now is that in this year of grace, 1967, and before the summer comes upon us, railings will be put along the banks of the Grand Canal to stop fatal tragedies to children and, indeed, adults in the canal.
As I said, Dublin Corporation are the appropriate authority in this regard. They have been advised that the Grand Canal does not, per se, constitute a dangerous place. If Deputy Ryan does not agree with that, he might try to get the corporation to change their minds.
Could the Minister say who gave this advice to Dublin Corporation?
The Law Agent.
It is easily known he has no children who were drowned in the canal or he would have a different opinion.