As the Minister of State who will be responsible for the canals after their transfer from CIE, I welcome this Bill. Indeed, I can say that I have been pressing for a number of years to have this legislation passed and I am delighted that the end is now in sight.
In order to expedite the legislation processes in this instance, the Bill was introduced in the Seanad first and it has now come to this House. Much valuable work has been done by our colleagues in the Seanad already and this has resulted in two amendments being made to the Bill as originally introduced there. These were in respect of the provision for the staff to be transferred and the protection of the fishery of the canals, both mentioned by Deputy Power. I am gratified that the Bill has aroused such interest and has received such attention in the Seanad.
One of the matters which received great airing in the Seanad was the question as to what my office's future role in respect of the canals will be. Firstly, it will be obliged to carry out the statutory obligation imposed on it by the Oireachtas and over and beyond that it must act in accordance with the Government decision in this matter.
At this stage it might be useful to recall that decision. The Government decided that the Grand Canal system is to be developed for navigation and general amenity purposes and that the Royal Canal is to be developed, according as resources permit by carrying out improvement works on selected stretches. The decision differentiates between the roles of the two canals and, quite obviously, the canals' development will follow different patterns and require different treatment. It will be a matter for my office to ensure that each canal is treated so as to achieve the maximum benefits.
It is most appropriate that the canals should be transferred to the Commissioners of Public Works which is a body with wide experience in the amenity field. Anyone who looks at their works in national parks and national monuments and, of particular relevance in this instance, their works on the Shannon Navigation, will have confidence in their ability to do a good job on the Grand and Royal Canals.
The Commissioners of Public Works are, of course, no newcomers to inland navigation. They have been involved with it for over 150 years and they have managed the Shannon Navigation continuously since 1846, which is nearly 140 years. During that time there have been many changes in the types of traffic using the Shannon and the Grand Canal. Initially, passenger traffic as well as cargo traffic was important. This was mainly between Dublin and Limerick, via the Grand Canal to Shannon Harbour and then along the Shannon to Limerick. Passenger traffic succumbed to competition from the railways in 1859 and was not revived until 1897 when the Shannon Development Company, under the aegis of the Commissioners of Public Works, began to operate passenger traffic between Killaloe and Carrick-on-Shannon. These services continued to operate until the First World War.
After 1930 cargo traffic on the Shannon and on the Grand Canal showed a marked decline as road transport began to be more firmly established. The Grand Canal Company, and later CIE, continued to operate a fleet of barges which were particularly useful during the war years when road and rail traffic was curtailed. But, with the return to normal conditions, the use of the waterways declined rapidly and all commercial traffic ceased in 1960.
In the same year, however, commercial cruisers appeared on the Shannon and there has been a dramatic increase in the growth of leisure traffic in the intervening years. The number of passages through locks increased almost ninefold in the 20 years between 1963 and 1983. While there has been a levelling off in recent years there are signs that a further increase in traffic is on the way. The figures for 1984 are up over 6 per cent on those for 1982.
The Commissioners have proved equal to the task of catering for the different traffic demands as they arose. An extensive programme of improvements has been carried out on the Shannon to develop the great potential of the waterway for recreational use. The buoyage system has been improved and augmented, disused habours have been dredged, new harbours constructed and others enlarged. The Lecarrow Canal, linking the village of Lecarrow with Lough Ree, has been re-opened to traffic and the Lough Allen Canal has been re-opened as far as Acres Lough.
There can be no doubt but that the commissioners are well capable of developing the canals to meet the needs of the public.
The Grand Canal as it stands is fully navigable, apart from some spur lines and provides a through navigation from the east coast to the Shannon and via the Barrow Navigation to the south coast. In the past this canal served a vital role as a commerical artery for the areas it served. While one cannot rule out the possibility that the future may bring a return to some extent to this role, this does not look likely at present. Existing traffic on this canal is confined to pleasure cruising and recreational boating and I would dearly like to see this develop in the same way as the Shannon. As well as navigation there is scope for the development of other recreational activities such as fishing and walking and the commissioners are prepared — I stress that in response to Deputy Power's point — to co-operate with all interests in the provision of facilities for such pastimes. However, the prime role of this canal will be as a navigable waterway and the commissioner's stewardship of this canal will take full cognisance of it.
Many areas were mentioned by Deputy Power. He covered the Grand Canal in the Kildare area but I should like to add the Barrow extension. Coming from the town of Athy and having learned to swim in the canal, I appreciate the points Deputy power made in regard to that area. Fishing has been developed on that stretch of canal and the principle people involved in that work are the people of Prosperous. There has been a big influx of visitors in recent years to fish on that stretch of canal, particularly from Britain. There is no doubt that hotels, and other establishments, have benefited from that business. In Rathangan massive development has taken place with the help of AnCO. I am interested in development work in those areas and, as Minister responsible for the canals in the future, I am anxious to ensure that there will be full co-operation between the Office of Public Works and other interests. I am aware that since the provisions of the Bill were announced people have expressed an interest in developing fishing, boat hiring and boat building in areas along the canal. That could be a great help to the areas.
I mentioned spur lines. One such spur formerly served the town of Naas in my constituency and quite a lot of work has been done by Naas Urban District Council in re-instating it. The council have cleaned the upper reaches and, with the aid of sponsorship and the co-operation of the Inland Waterways Association and AnCo, have provided new gates to four locks. One further reach remains to be done to finish the job. CIE dredged the section of the spur line from the last lock to the main line at Soldier's Island which is now navigable. When the job is finished the canal will provide a valuable amenity for the town of Naas, and I must say that the council are to be commended for their initiative in taking on this project. They have shown what can be done at local level to make the best use of this valuable resource and I hope that other authorities and voluntary bodies will follow their example.
The Royal Canal, unfortunately, is not in the same condition. It is not of course necessary as a navigation route from Dublin to the Shannon as the Grand Canal is adequate for the purpose. While I would not discount its restoration to navigation at some time in the future this is not likely to happen in my time in the House. I am well aware that it is the objective of many to see the full restoration of this and, both myself and the Commissioners of Public Works, would also like this, but for the present the focus for the development of the Royal Canal will have to be on the local amenity aspect. I find it hard to see any major extension of the navigable waterway in the short term. I assure interested people that my policy will be to ensure that no decisions are taken which would add to the obstacles already in the way of restoring the canal.
Some mention has to be made of the valuable work already undertaken on the canals by voluntary groups and the local authorities. Without these the task in hand would be much greater and I hope that this co-operative spirit will continue after the canals have passed into direct State care. Many may feel that their voluntary roles have been fulfilled with this step but I hope that this will not be the case. My office will welcome all help and co-operation it receives in this regard and will co-operate with all parties to further the interests of the canals. The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, the Royal Canal Amenity Group, and other voluntary groups as well as Bord Fáilte, the fishery boards, the relevant local authorities who have undertaken works on the canals all deserve the highest praise and I hope to be able to count on the continuation of their help.
Previous speakers have mentioned the necessity for the commissioners to consult with interested parties. I assure Deputies that the commissioners will always be available for consultation and will fully consider all proposals made to them in respect of the canals. The blending and mixing of the many uses which can be made of the canals will be a particularly onerous task. It is essential that the commissioners have sufficient control to ensure that conflicts are prevented and that the canals are used for and to the maximum benefit of the people. For this reason the commissioners are acutely aware of the necessity for consultation. Insofar as it will be possible, the commissioners will facilitate all proposals for the advancement of the canals, be they from individuals, voluntary groups, local authorities or other interests.
No formal planning for the future of the canals has, as I indicated earlier, yet been undertaken within my office. The existing levels of both engineering and administrative staff have made it impossible to allocate personnel to this important task. However, officials of my office and the Department of the Public Service have had consultations in this regard and I am pressing to have this aspect resolved at the earliest date. Pre-planning for the development of the canals is of the utmost importance and, while the canals' current levels of operation should not be affected by this, I am anxious to move onto a more active development of the canals as soon as possible.
The first step will be to survey the canals from the property and engineering aspects. On the basis of the results of these surveys development and maintenance plans and programmes will be prepared in consultation where necessary with interested parties. I could not at this stage say when such plans might be finalised as this will depend on the resources to be allocated to the commissioners for the canals. I will be urging that these will be the most generous possible so that my hopes and, indeed, those also of the many Deputies who have contributed to this debate can be fully realised. I regret that I cannot be more definite in this regard but I will not give commitments now that I may not be able to keep as to do so would only be storing up future troubles.
The combination of the Grand and Royal Canals with the Shannon Navigation will give the commissioners responsibility for one of the finest inland navigation systems in these islands. This will be no small task, but I am confident that the commissioners, in their stewardship of the canals, will be as successful as they have been with the Shannon Navigation.
In the last century the canals brought prosperity to the areas they serviced by the commercial nature of their operation. While this is no longer the case the canals can still contribute to the prosperity of the communities they serve by attracting visitors from at home and abroad to their waters, be it for boating, fishing, hiking or any of the many other recreational pastimes that can be pursued on or beside them. I have great hopes that the various towns along the canals will enjoy increased economic benefits and that many jobs will be created in the provision of services, the improvement of facilities and in manufacture of boats and accessories.
A lot of attention was given in the Seanad to the questions of fishing and the protection of the fish stocks. As I already mentioned, the Bill was amended as a result of this discussion. The amendment will give legal effect to an administrative arrangement already agreed by which the commissioners will consult with the Department of Fisheries and Forestry on matters relating to fishing. The commissioners will at all times be conscious of the amenity value of canal fishing and will bear this in mind in the operation and development of the canals.
Indeed, the Government are also well aware of this and have decided that a liaison committee should be set up between representatives of my office and the Department of Fisheries and Forestry to consider all matters relating to fishing in the canals. Consultations have already taken place with the Department with a view to setting up the committee.
The other amendment introduced to the Bill was in respect of the staff to be transferred from CIE to the commissioners. Again this was an amendment which I welcomed as it copperfastens the guarantee that the workers should not suffer any aggregate loss as a result of the transfer. I am delighted that in recent discussions between representatives of my office, CIE and the unions involved that the union representatives welcomed the proposal. The detailed provisions for the transfer of the staff will be the subject of full discussions with the staff's representatives and initial indications are that these will be undertaken in an amicable atmosphere and that there will be no insurmountable difficulties involved in this regard. However, there are so many considerations which will have to be covered, I realise that these will take time to complete. It is important that the negotiators have adequate time to examine proposals, consult those involved and reach mutually acceptable conclusions. However, it is important also that no time be lost and I would ask the staff representatives to bear this in mind in approaching their task. I will be urging my officials to ensure that there will be no avoidable delay on their part in bringing the negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.
At this stage it would not be remiss to mention the sterling work of the CIE staff who maintained and operated the canals in difficult times. They deserve the highest praise and I hope that their devotion to their duties will continue when the canals are finally transferred. The management of CIE also merit praise in this regard. As the national transport authority the management of the canals could not have been high in their priorities but nevertheless they have taken good care of the canals in recent years having regard to the limited resources available to them, and for this they must be congratulated.
Deputies Wilson and Reynolds mentioned the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal which connects the Shannon and the Erne Navigation systems. It would be inappropriate to provide for this canal or indeed any other navigation in this Bill which is a legislative vehicle simply for the transfer of the Grand and Royal Canals from CIE to the Commissioners of Public Works. However, this does not mean that the potential of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal is being ignored. Indeed it is not. This is quite a complicated problem as we have to see how the conflicting requirements of drainage and navigation can best be reconciled. It should be remembered too, that this canal never functioned satisfactorily. However, I am glad to say that the engineering study is now well advanced and I hope to place the report before the Government for consideration in mid-1986. Pending this I am afraid I could not give any commitment in respect of the future of this canal.
Deputy Prendergast mentioned the position of a former lock house in Limerick which has been vandalised. My office are negotiating with Limerick Corporation who are interested in acquiring this property.
I am gratified at the welcome the proposed transfer of the canals to the Commissioners of Public Works received and I must say that, like the Deputies who welcomed this, I find the logic of such a move undeniable. However, I noted the guarded criticism of some in this respect. Deputy Wilson referred to my office as multi-faceted and this is indeed true. Involved as it is with the many organs of State it has many calls on its services. To say that these demands grossly outweigh the resources and facilities available to meet them would be an understatement. The commisioners' resources are not unlimited. I only wish their resources were such that everybody's demands on them could be immediately satisfied, but in a tight situation the commissioners endeavour to meet their obligations in the most efficient, competent, proper and fair manner. I hope that this will be borne in mind when the canals are actually transferred and that people's expectations are set at realistic levels.
The canals are national assets which we must cherish. They are an important part of our heritage. They provide examples of the craftsmanship and engineering skills possessed by our ancestors. The Commissioners of Public Works are doing marvellous work in the conservation of our heritage and with the resources available to them in engineering, architecture and the natural sciences, I am certain that they will take good care of the canals.
I was born near the Barrow and, indeed, I still live close to it and to the Grand Canal-Barrow extension as it is known which links Dublin and Shannon with the south coast through the midlands. I have seen the Grand Canal in operation when there was commercial traffic on it and I witnessed the decline in this traffic. This Bill heralds a new era for the canals and I hope that the expectations of the many people who have pressed for this will be fulfilled. Let me say in passing that there is in my county a culture of the canals. The canals have a culture of their own and there is a bond between the people who work on the canals right along the full stretch and these people are dedicated to the preservation and the revival, if I might call it that, of the canals in the sense of reviving them as an amenity and as amenity navigation. That desire is not alone in people working on the canals but in people living all along them. The canals are an asset which we must cherish and they are an important part of our heritage. I hope that the development of the canals as outlined by the Government will bring greater prosperity to the country as a whole and in particular to the regions that they serve. I look forward to accepting my new responsibilities in this regard.
I should mention the points made by Deputy Power concerning the roads along the canal which have served people living on them and which CIE felt should not be transferred to the county council for fear of heavy traffic and that the banks would be damaged. I assure Deputy Power and everyone else that I am very familiar with this problem in my constituency. As Deputy Power said, when people need a decent roadway to their homes co-operation can and will be provided and we will do everything possible in that regard. The Deputy suggested that this should be written into the Bill. That is not necessary because we have power under the Bill to transfer any property on the canal, and if the commissioners agree that it is safe to transfer any road to a county council that can be done without any addition to the Bill as I read it.
We will be prepared to meet all the people interested in the canals and to co-operate with them as far as is humanly possible, keeping in context the overall welfare of the canal system which we hope to develop in a way similar to the Shannon Navigation. Having said that, I agree with Deputy Power that we should try to incorporate into our total plan for the canal the plans already drawn up by the late Father Murphy who did wonderful work in my constituency on developing the canal and its amenities and in reviving the old Canal Hotel at Robertstown. I appreciate the work done by all such as he. If we can develop the lake which is envisaged in the county plan for Kildare around Robertstown then that will be ideal.
I commend this Bill wholeheartedly to the House. I will be prepared at any time to meet any groups on this matter. Before I finish let me mention how the Department of Labour have co-operated with various amenity groups for the Royal and Grand Canals in developing the amenities of their area. I hold up as two of the best examples of how a local community can co-operate with us under this Bill the Kilcock people on the Royal Canal and the Rathangan people on the Grand Canal. I know of other examples the effect of which I do not wish to minimise, but these are two examples of how local people can help in restoring this wonderful heritage and enabling us to have one of the most wonderful waterways not alone in these islands but in Europe. If we do that we will be doing a great deal for the advancement of prosperity in the area and throughout the country.
As I have said, I commend this Bill to the House. In doing so, I am echoing the statement in the second annual report of the Commissioners of Public Works of 1833 — quite a while ago — that "the subject of Inland Navigation is one worthy of much consideration and deeply interesting for every well-wisher of Ireland".