(Dublin) asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of boats that used the Grand Canal for the years 1965 and 1966.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grand Canal Boat Traffic.
6.
The number of boats that used the Grand Canal in the years ended 31st March, 1966, and 31st March, 1967, was 213 and 141, respectively.
The question relates to 1965 and 1966. The Minister appeared to speak of 1967.
I used the financial years ending 31st March, 1966, and 31st March, 1967, each of which would include a large part of 1965 and 1966, respectively.
In the meantime, has the Minister given any consideration to the question of keeping this canal and the Royal Canal clean? It appears to me that, owing to the decline in traffic upon them, it is now becoming nobody's business to keep them in any state of reasonable repair. They have a very valuable amenity value over and above their transport value. Has the Minister considered this question?
I get representations from the associations interested in the maintenance of the canal for navigation purposes. I have not had any complaints. CIE regularly maintain the Grand Canal and make use of machines for that purpose. I think the decline in the number of people using it is due to the fact that the Ringsend Docks were out of action from May to July, 1966, following damage to the lock gates by a ship. That would probably account for some, if not all, of the decline.
Any decline in traffic would not justify the virtual abandonment of the canals. It is very necessary, from an amenity point of view, that they be maintained in reasonable and clean condition.
I have no evidence that they have not been maintained properly for navigation purposes.
If the Minister has not received representations in regard to this matter before now, pray receive them now.