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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cost of Canal Restoration.

Edward Nealon

Question:

46 Mr. Nealon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money spent to date on the restoration of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell canal; the estimated amount required to complete the works; the sources of the money spent on the restoration work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Edward Nealon

Question:

47 Mr. Nealon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if any estimations have been made about the number of craft likely to use the restored Ballinamore-Ballyconnell canal in the first years of operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.

To date approximately £25.4 million has been spent on the restoration of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal. The overall budget for the project is £30 million and the sources of funding are as follows:

IR£m

EC Structural Funds

18.5

International Fund for Ireland

5.6

ESB

2.5

Northern Ireland Exchequer

2.4

Irish Exchequer

1.0

Total

30

As to the number of craft likely to use the Waterway in the first years of its operation, it is estimated that 50-60 boats might use it at any given time during the tourist season. A positive indication of the anticipated success of the Waterway is the recent decision of the cruise hire company Emerald Star Line to develop a new base in Belturbet which will service 40 cruisers.
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