Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 4

Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.

Willie Penrose

Question:

213 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will report on the plans, if any, she has to restore the Royal Canal in a westward direction from Mullingar to Clondra, County Westmeath; the date when works will commence at the Dublin Bridge, Mullingar, County Westmeath; if it is the intention to help local communities and the Royal Canal Amenity Group in the establishment of facilities for users of the canal along the route when it is fully navigable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16257/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The contract for the proposed works at Dublin Bridge, Mullingar, County Westmeath, was placed on the 10 October 1997. The programme to restore the Royal Canal in a westward direction from Mullingar to Clondra is ongoing and includes, inter alia, the following works: the completion of dredging on the main line canal and part of the Longford branch; the reconstruction of bog embankments; the installation of lock gates; the replacement of six road bridges on the main line in County Longford, two road bridges on the Longford branch and the Bord na Móna road and rail crossing at Begnagh Bog; and the sourcing of additional water supplies.

The waterways service of my Department continues to liaise with the Royal Canal amenity group and other community groups regarding the restoration and development programmme for the Royal Canal. The Deputy will appreciate that the main emphasis at present is to open the waterway fully for navigation. When this has been achieved, it would certainly be my intention to further improve infrastructural facilities for users as funds permit.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

214 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim submitted revised proposals to the waterways service of the Office of Public Works on 6 June 1997, regarding his application for mooring facilities on the Shannon and Erne Waterway; when it is expected that the revised proposals will be examined by the engineering section and a decision made in relation to the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16332/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The revised proposals for moorings submitted by the person referred to by the Deputy are currently under examination by the waterways service of my Department. It is expected that a decision will be reached in the matter at the end of this month.