asked the Minister for Finance if the section of the Royal Canal which flows through County Meath will benefit from the extra allocation of £1.589 million for 1987 and £.628 million for 1986 under heading H, public works and buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Royal Canal.
31.
The allocations of £628,000 for 1986 and £1,589,000 for 1987 under subhead H of the Vote for public works and buildings are for the maintenance and operation of the Grand Canal, including the Barrow navigation, and the Royal Canal which were transferred to the Commissioners of Public Works on 1 July 1986. Prior to that date, provision for this service was included in the grant to Córas Iompair Éireann who were at that time responsible for the canals.
The money, which includes provision for staff wages and purchase of necessary plant and machinery has been and will continue to be spent throughout the system according as maintenance needs dictate. It is not possible to give separate details for the short sections of the Royal Canal which are in County Meath.