With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6 together.
The Corporation have been advised by their technical advisers that there is no practical alternative to the use of the Grand Canal for the laying of sewers necessary to provide adequate serviced lands for new housing and industrial development.
I understand that in the formulation of this advice regard was had to the sizes of the pipes involved and the depth at which they will have to be laid; the difficulties involved in the acquisition of property and wayleaves and the relocation of essential services and to the dislocation of traffic over a very prolonged period that would otherwise be caused. Precise estimates of cost of the project are not available.
It is not possible at this stage to give approximate dates for the closing and reopening of the canal. This and other information must await the submission of further reports by the Corporation.