Vol. 420 No. 6
64 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, the Office of Public Works have to carry out an environmental improvement project along that stretch of the Grand Canal which runs between Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot, and the third lock at Inchicore, Dublin 8; and if he will give consideration to the building of bicycle path along this stretch of the canal.
Since taking over the canals from CIE in 1986 most of the resources available to the Office of Public Works have been required for urgent engineering works to safeguard the fabric of the system and it has not been possible to carry out all of the substantial environmental works which are necessary to upgrade the entire canal network as an attractive public amenity.
Nevertheless significant improvements have been carried out in this area. The Office of Public Works now have a regular litter collection and grass-cutting regime in place which has significantly improved the appearance of the area, about 100 trees were planted, this stretch of canal has been stocked with fish and fishing here has now become very popular. Earlier this year the Office of Public Works had a large unsightly advertising hoarding at Blackhorse Bridge removed. A path is being laid, which when completed over the next few weeks, will provide an attractive surface for pedestrians and cyclists.
Further improvements will be carried out as resources permit.
