Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.

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

Since the launch of the Grand Canal corridor study in July 1994 a task force was established to oversee the implementation of improvements along the canal system. A regeneration officer has been appointed to, inter alia, liaise with local community groups. This has resulted in a number of community employment schemes being established in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot areas to carry out improvements to the canal system. Furthermore, a community sponsored barge restoration scheme is being undertaken in the Clondalkin area with the support of my Department.

Closer to the city, a number of lock gates have been replaced on the system and the Buckingham Sea Lock at Ringsend has been automated. Safety chains have been installed in all lock chambers in the Dublin area. Charlotte Quay and the area around the Sea Locks at Ringsend Dock was hardlandscaped and additional moorings were installed at Grand Canal Quay. Jetties have been built at Mespil Road and Portobello, and 70 mooring bollards have been provided in the Dublin area. A clean-out of the system has been undertaken in certain areas and the Dublin Port and Docks Board have kindly dredged outside the Sea Locks at Ringsend. The fish stocking programme continues and fishing stands have been installed at specific locations on the system. Tree planting has been carried out and a major planting programme along the system will be undertaken in the next few months.

The cost of undertaking canal refurbishment works in the Dublin area last year amounted to some £0.6 million and the Deputy may be assured that every effort will be made to continue with canal improvement works as funding permits.