Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 2

Written Answers. - Erne Navigation Extension.

Brendan Smith

Question:

85 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if tenders have been invited in respect of the environmental impact assessment of the proposed extension of the Erne navigation southwards from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra; if so, if a tender has been approved in respect of this work; the target date for completion of the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7929/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

Tenders for the environment impact assessment of proposals to extend the Erne Navigation have not yet been invited. Examination of a number of alternative design options, which must be completed before tenders can be invited has taken longer than anticipated. This examination is now nearing completion and tenders for the EIA — which is expected to take about a year to complete — will be invited shortly.