Vol. 482 No. 2
35 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if, in consultation with the Office of Public Works, she will have the opening times of the locks on the Ballinamore to Ballyconnell Canal extended in the evenings during the summer season. [17320/97]
The Deputy will be aware that navigation on the Shannon-Erne waterway is from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Waterways Service of my Department has examined the question of extending the opening hours in the early morning and late evening, but has identified very little need for this.
I understand that there is some limited demand from local interests for late opening but this has to be viewed in the context of the additional cost involved in extending the opening hours of the waterway. Accordingly, it is not my intention at this time to provide for an extension of the hours of navigation.
