Vol. 254 No. 2
(Cavan) asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that boating on the Woodford canal between Ballyconnell, County Cavan, and Ballinamore, County Leitrim, would encourage tourism and promote better relations between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; that it would be a first step towards connecting the Erne and the Shannon; and that the cost of making the canal navigable would not be substantial; and, if so, if immediate steps will be taken to have this done.
9.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will outline his plans for a link-up between the Shannon and Erne as a tourism project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
The question of economic co-operation and development in Border areas was discussed in an exploratory way at the meeting with officials of the Northern Ireland Ministry of Commerce on the 20th April, 1971. Following this, various possibilities fall to be considered and one of the matters now under consideration is the possibility of restoring navigation on sections of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal leading to the Erne waterway. I have arranged for a visual survey of part of the canal to be carried out and this survey has already commenced.
There are a number of aspects to be examined and the drainage and agricultural interests must be considered as well as the navigation and tourism value. Proposals emerging from the survey for the restoration of navigation would figure in further cross-Border discussions to be arranged in due course.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware that as well as being an asset from the point of view of tourism and the promotion of good relations between North and South, the drainage of the waterway would be a great benefit to the farmers in the locality? Could the Minister give us any indication when he thinks this work will be put in hands? Is it a long-term proposal or a proposal that will have immediate attention?
The drainage is a long-term proposal. That will take some time pending a detailed survey. The visual survey of which I spoke is an immediate, interim survey that is now taking place in regard to navigable stretches of this waterway on our side of the Border which, taken in conjunction with immediate works that could take place in regard to restoration of locks and the improvement of the waterway on the other side of the Border, would bring into navigation straight away a run of water from Ballyconnell to Belturbet in County Cavan and link up with the Erne waterway.
(Cavan): I am glad to hear what is proposed in regard to the stretch from Ballyconnell to Belturbet, but is the Minister aware that this waterway is completely navigable right up to the Border, and could he say when it will be made navigable from Ballyconnell to Garrydice and into Ballinamore?
This is a further extension of the work which will take some time and will depend on a detailed survey. What I would propose to have a report on fairly quickly— and the investigation with regard to it is already taking place—is what can be done immediately with a limited part of the waterway which would link up Ballyconnell and Belturbet with the Erne system at relatively little cost compared with the overall cost involved in the Border scheme which involves 38 miles of waterway between there and the River Shannon below Lough Allen.
(Cavan): Would the Minister——
We cannot discuss this question all evening. There are 85 questions to be dealt with.
(Cavan): I just want to ask the Minister if, when he is investigating this from the tourist point of view, he would also have a look at opening the road from north to south by Ballyconnell, because there is not much expense involved there.
It is another day's work. We are aware of it.
