Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 8

Written Answers. - Deaths by Drowning.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

84 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the number of deaths from drowning which have occurred in the Royal Canal between Cross Guns Bridge and Binns Bridge in Dublin 9, in each of the past three years; the plans, if any, the Office of the Public Works has to improve the safety of this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20167/96]

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

I deeply regret any death by drowning on our inland waterways. The waterways service of my Department has contacted the Garda seeking information on the actual number of deaths by drowning between Binns Bridge and Cross Guns Bridge in each of the past three years and I will send the information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

I am very conscious of the need for the greatest level of safety possible along our waterways and I can assure the Deputy that this matter is kept under constant review by the Waterways Service.