Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ulster Canal.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

67 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the terms of reference for the viability study on the restoration of the Ulster Canal; the number of applications to carry out the study; when the contract will be allocated; when the work will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7298/97]

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

The report on the viability of restoring the Ulster Canal will contain sections on the following elements:

1. an executive summary;

2. a full topographical survey including sections;

3. a condition survey of the canal and associated structures;

4. a photographic record of the canal and associated structures;

5. a structural study;

6. a hydrological study;

7. a water supply and demand study;

8. a hydraulic study;

9. a land drainage study;

10. a study of the potential access and development constraints under the following subsections:

10.1 the problem presented by the urban areas through which the canal passes;

10.2 the interface with roads network;

10.3 the interface with other existing uses and developments;

11. a navigation study;

12. environmental considerations;

13. a preliminary appraisal of the economics of the options including the following:

13.1 objectives;

13.2 options available;

13.3 capital costs and financial projections;

13.4 market analysis;

13.4 business plan;

14. consultation; and

15. general.

Inquiries were received from 90 firms following the placing of an advertisement in the national media and the EU Journal and 32 submitted detailed proposals. These responses have been considered and a short list of six firms have been invited to submit fixed price tenders for the work. I understand that the Government purchasing agency in Northern Ireland, on behalf of the Rivers Agency of their Department of Agriculture, and the Waterways Service of my Department hope to award a consultancy contract in the summer of 1997. The duration of the contract will be about nine months.