Vol. 473 No. 3
20 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the progress, if any, to date in relation to the environmental impact study on the Erne navigation, south of Belturbet, County Cavan; if funding will be provided in respect of this project in 1997; when construction work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24628/96]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 116 on 12 November 1996.
The Central Fisheries Board is continuing its investigations of the likely effects of the navigation project on the fishery and aquactic environment. The result of these investigations will form part of the overall environmental impact assessment. Various aspects for the preparation of a brief are being finalised before the appointment of consultants to investigate other aspects of the EIS can be undertaken.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is premature at this stage to address matters relating to funding on the commencement of work.
