James Leonard
Question:39 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has to have a full feasibility study of the Ulster Canal carried out as recommended in the County Monaghan Tourism Plan. [2363/96]
Written Answers. - Ulster Canal Feasibility Study.
The possibility of restoring the Ulster Canal has been the subject of talks for some time now between the waterways service and its counterparts in Northern Ireland, the watercourse management division of the Department of Agriculture. In 1994, a scoping study of the canal was undertaken and this identified the main engineering and other difficulties which will have to be overcome should it be decided to proceed with restoration.
Consideration is now being given to the undertaking of a full scale feasibility study which would endeavour to identify solutions to these difficulties and would include also a cost benefit analysis and environmental impact assessment of the project. The availability of the necessary funding for the study is of course a prime consideration and this matter is currently being examined.