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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Dec 1969

Vol. 243 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kildare Weir.

59.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the weir constructed at Pluckerstown, Kilmeague, Naas, County Kildare, to divert water into the Grand Canal is causing a great deal of flooding in that area; and if he will make other arrangements for water supply for the canal.

I am informed by CIE that the weir at Pluckerstown was constructed about 190 years ago as part of the Grand Canal system. It is essential to the supply of water to maintain navigation on the Barrow Line of the Grand Canal and no alternative water supply for this purpose is available. CIE cannot, therefore, remove the weir as long as they are under a statutory obligation to keep this part of the canal open to public navigation.

Is it not clear that the water supply is for water only and not for navigation purposes at that particular point? Could the Minister not ensure that the water supply would be put into the canal by pumping so that the overflowing weir would not flood the surrounding land?

I am very well aware of the problem. The tourist element comes in here.

Not at this point. This is not a part which is navigable. It supplies water to the navigable canal, but it is not itself navigable.

I am informed that the navigable aspect in relation to the overall canal and weir situation is dependent on this.

Unless you put in a pumping station; will the Minister have that examined?

I will have a look at it.

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