asked the Minister for Finance if he will initiate a joint study with the Northern Ireland Government on the cost of reopening the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell canal in view of the value of this project for (a) drainage and tourism in County Leitrim, (b) the rapid increase in income to the Office of Public Works from tolls on the Shannon navigation and (b) the growth of pleasure boat traffic on both the rivers Shannon and Erne.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal.
41.
The investigation of the Erne catchment at present in progress is confined to the areas in our own territory. It is intended later to investigate the rivers or streams extending into Northern Ireland or affecting the Border. At that stage the Deputy's suggestion will be borne in mind.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say when negotiations will start between the two Governments?
In the case of the Erne catchment, there are several rivers like the Finn which cross and recross the Border and we have been in touch already with the Northern Ireland authorities about these parts of the catchment.
But not in connection with any of these rivers?
No.