Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 1995

Vol. 449 No. 8

Written Answers. - Royal Canal Restoration.

Willie Penrose

Question:

63 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the time period over which the £7 million fund to restore the Royal Canal to full manageability will be spent; the works that will be undertaken for each year 1995 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4645/95]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. J. Higgins)

The Office of Public Works intends over the next four years to complete the restoration of the Royal Canal as a navigable waterway at an estimated cost of approximately £7 million. The following are the principal works involved and they will be undertaken on a rolling basis over the 1995 to 1999 period.

1. Dredging and channel lining works west of Mullingar.

2. Installation of breast and deep gates.

3. Raising of banks and repairing leaks.

4. Construction of a new bridge at Mullingar (Moran's Bridge).

5. Construction of a new lifting bridge at Newcomen Junction, North Strand Road, Dublin.

6. Reconstruction of Tarkett Footbridge, Mullingar.

7. Removal of footbridge to the east of Scanlan's Bridge, Mullingar.

8. Replace Webb's Culvert, Abbeyshrule with a suitable bridge subject to agreement with Longford County Council.

9. Replace Longford Bridge Culvert, Ballymahon with a bridge.

10. Replace Pake Bridge Culvert, Terlicken, Ballymahon with a bridge.

11. Investigation and identification of sources for additional water supply and execution of necessary works.

12. Reconstruction works at Ballymaglavy Bog.

13. Replace Mosstown Bridge Culvert, Keenagh with a bridge.

14. Replace Lyneen Bridge Culvert, Keenagh with a bridge.

15. Replace Begnagh Bridge Culvert, Kilashee with a bridge.

16. Stop-gate manufacture, installation and chamber repairs at the Blackwater Aqueduct and Down's Bridge.

17. Reconstruction works at Cloonbreany Bog.

18. Reconstruction works at Begnagh Bog.

19. Construction-reopening of the terminus at the Longford Branch.

20. Establishment of premises and other facilities necessary for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the waterway and recruitment of operational staff.

21. Replace Knockabog and Churchlands Bridges (Longford Branch).

22. Landscaping, provison of fish stands, installation of safety chairs in chambers, mains water, pumpout facilities and service units and moorings.

23. Replace Bórd na Mona Bridges at Begnagh Bog with a single access bridge.

24. Repairs and reconstruction of 10 overflows.

25. Repairs to two dry docks.

26. Construction of seven slipways.

It is not possible at present to indicate a year by year programme of work as this is dependent on the annual budget allocations for the project. Work will proceed as quickly as possible. The cost and scheduling of works outlined above will be subject to detailed land and site investigation surveys. The Office of Public Works will work closely with Westmeath and Longford County Councils regarding the bridge replacement programme. Agreement will also have to be reached with Bord na Móna regarding Begnagh Bog Bridge and an acceptable replacement solution. It may be necessary to seek the agreement of relevant bodies regarding solutions to water supply shortages. Finally, agreement will have to be reached with CIE to allow for the installation of a lifting bridge at Newcomen Junction. Contact has been established with the responsible authorities in all cases.