Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Structural Funding.

Willie Penrose

Question:

127 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money that has been provided by structural funds for the restoration of the Royal Canal; the amount of such moneys provided for the stretch of Royal Canal between Mullingar and Longford; the works programme likely to be required to ensure that this stretch of canal is fully manageable; the likely time span involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [436/94]

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

While the precise details have not yet been finalised, it is anticipated that approximately £7 million will be available in the current round of Structural Funding for spending on the restoration of the Royal Canal in the period 1994-1999. Approximately £6.5 million of this sum will be spent on the canal from Mullingar to Clondra and Longford town.

The works involved in restoring this section to navigation include dredging and lockgate installation (both already underway), replacement of the road culverts with bridges which allow navigation clearance, repair of the fabric of the canal in several bog sections, raising of the banks to ensure adequate free-board in certain areas and securing an adequate water supply for the entire rewatered canal.

If all of these works can be undertaken without any unexpected problems arising, either practical or financial, it is hoped to have navigations restored by the end of the programme, i.e. 1999.