Vol. 478 No. 5
62 Mr. Reynolds asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when building of bridges will begin to finally finish the Royal Canal restoration to the Shannon in view of the fact that he promised that all bridges would be in place and the canal would be opened in 1998 but as yet, the work to bridges has not begun. [11584/97]
The bridge replacement programme on the Royal Canal is a necessary development, but it is not sufficient to fully restore the waterway for navigation. Other major works to the system will include the completion of the dredging programme, the bog embankment works, raising the freeboard in certain areas, and the sourcing of water supplies. However, it is envisaged that the canal will be open to navigation by the end of the century in line with the funding allocation provided under the EU Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99.
The waterways service of my Department has recently obtained planning permission for the reconstruction works to Moran's Bridge, Mullingar, County Westmeath. Engineering consultants have been appointed to undertake design and construction works to six road bridges on the main line in County Longford. It is expected that these works will be carried out on a phased basis over the next few years. Furthermore, the Board na Móna and rail crossings at Begnagh Bog are at early planning stage. However, it is my intention to have all these works completed by the end of the century.
