asked the Minister for Finance whether the consultants' report on the entire development and management of the Grand and Royal Canals commissioned by the Office of Public Works has been completed; when it will be published; the work intended to be done by the Office of Public Works and other groups this year; the finance which has been allocated to the Office of Public Works for this work; the terms of reference/brief which was given to the consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Grand and Royal Canals Report.
63.
The study of the Grand and Royal Canals carried out by consultants commissioned by the Office of Public Works has been completed and the final draft of their report is in hands. It is expected that the report will be published within the next two months or so.
The brief given to the consultants stated that the purpose of the study was to provide advice and guidance to the Commissioners of Public Works as to their duties in the care, management and development of the canals as a public amenity and stressed that in formulating proposals due weight was to be given to conservation of the 18th century heritage.
In 1987 the Office of Public Works is continuing to maintain the structure of the canals in co-operation with local groups as appropriate. A provision of £1,589 million has been allocated for this work and for the operation of the canals under Subhead H of the Vote for Public Works and Buildings.
There is no money allocated for development works in the current year.