asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will outline CIE's obligations in relation to the Naas branch of the Grand Canal and, in particular, their obligations to keep locks on this canal in a proper state of repair.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grand Canal.
11.
The Naas branch of the Grand Canal was closed to navigation by CIE in October, 1961, under the provisions of section 23 of the Transport Act, 1958. The closure released the board from the obligation to keep the canal open and in a fit condition for navigation, but not from any other obligations to which the board may be liable in regard to the canal, for example, obligations in regard to drainage or the prevention of flooding.
The Naas branch acts as a feeder canal to the Grand Canal system and the continuity of this supply has to be ensured. As the branch is closed to navigation, CIE is not obliged to maintain the locks, as such, in repair. However, retention of lock gates at two points is necessary to maintain proper water levels, to ensure drainage and to provide water supplies. For safety reasons some of the lock gates on the branch canal have been locked in the open position and some in the closed position and the swing beams have been removed.