Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 1

Written Answers. - Royal Canal Clean Up.

Tony Gregory

Question:

62 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if, while complimenting the Office of Public Works on their current clean-up of the Royal Canal in Dublin city the loose stones, rocks and other such materials scattered near Clarkes Bridge, Summerhill Road, Dublin I and along the new footpath will be removed as youths are hurling them at local residents.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Dempsey)

The restoration of the Royal Canal in the area from the North Strand to Ballybough and Drumcondra has been the most difficult experienced so far on the canal. In undertaking the removal of vast amounts of accumulated debris with very difficult access, the Office of Public Works workforce, while working in very trying circumstances, has had to bear the brunt of repeated anti-social behaviour by local youths.

The large site referred to at Clarkes Bridge is not owned by the Office of Public Works. It was sold some years ago by CIE to Messrs. David Allen, the advertising hoarding concern. Despite this, in the course of their work on the canal nearby, the Office of Public Works did remove a large amount of debris from this site. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for the Office of Public Works to ensure that no loose material is dumped or transferred to this site. Every effort is made to ensure that the works on the canal will be carried out so as to minimise any risk of debris and loose material becoming available.

When this section is re-watered there would be less risk of this occurrence.