asked the Minister for Transport and Power when the portion of the Grand Canal from Griffith Bridge to Guinness's Brewery, Dublin, will be reclaimed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grand Canal.
78.
Section 23 of the Transport Act, 1958, provides that CIE may close to navigation any canal or part of a canal belonging to them which has not been used for public navigation for three years or more. In accordance with the provisions of this section, CIE have, on 25th January, 1974, published notice of their intention to close to navigation that part of the Grand Canal from Griffith Bridge to James's Street harbour.
It is CIE's intention that as soon as the section of canal is closed to navigation it would be permanently blocked and drained of water and at that stage the board would be prepared to discuss with the city commissioners the question of handling it over to Dublin Corporation for the purpose of improving the amenities in the area. The question of reclamation of this area would, in that event, be a matter for the corporation.
I understand that the outgoing Administration had prepared legislation in which there was a specific section dealing with the reclamation of this portion of the canal. Since then the Inland Waterways Association did some re-thinking about their attitude at that time. Can the Minister tell me if the Bill to put OPW in charge of the canal is to be introduced or has it been cancelled?
I hope to introduce the Bill this year. This work can be done because there has not been navigation on that part of the canal for three years, this allows CIE to close it after they have given due notice of two months to the public.
I gather that the Minister is telling me now that CIE are——
The Deputy is making a statement.
CIE could do that because the canal has not been navigated for three years.
Could the area between Griffith Bridge and the Grand Canal proper be developed as a parking place for boats navigating the canal from Ringsend——
That is a separate question.
I am not familiar enough with the area to say whether or not it could be. I do not know.