James Leonard
Question:43 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Finance if there are any negotiations taking place between his Department and its counterpart in Northern Ireland regarding the re-opening of the Ulster canal.
Written Answers. - Ulster Canal.
No negotiations are taking place between the Office of Public Works and their counterparts in Northern Ireland regarding the re-opening of the Ulster Canal.
The National Canals and Waterways Strategy, which was published by the Office of Public Works last year recommends that the feasibility of re-opening the Ulster Canal should be investigated and that a formal liaison be established with the Northern Ireland Authorities in respect of these Investigations.
The Office of Public Works have frequent contact with their counterparts, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland in relation to the restoration of the Shannon Erne Waterway. The recommendations in the National Canals and Waterways Strategy relating to the Ulster Canal have of course been referred to informally in the margins of meetings.
Any decision to open negotiations on the restoration of the Ulster Canal would be a matter for the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht who is responsible for policy in relation to Inland Waterways, in the first place.