Vol. 482 No. 3
297 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, in place for the development of the Grand Canal from Davitt Road through the Sixth Lock Bridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18141/97]
I wish to assure the Deputy that I am conscious of the need to maintain and enhance the existing character and attractiveness of the Grand Canal at this location. In the past year, two community employment schemes have been established to upgrade the Grand Canal in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot areas. These schemes employ some 30 people and they are aimed at enhancing the public amenity aspect of the canal by landscaping works, including tree planting. At present a survey is being undertaken to identify species suitable for planting on this section of the canal.
Whilst there are no capital works scheduled for this section of the canal, a maintenance contract is in place for grass cutting and the removal of light litter. In addition, a contract was placed again this year for the cutting of weed from the canal bed. My Department is also considering a proposal from Dublin Corporation to install a cycle path along the stretch of the canal from the third to the eighth lock.
There is active community interest in the enhancement and development of the canal as an urban amenity and officials from my Department remain in close contact with the various community groups to consider how best this can be achieved. In July of this year a canal community festival was successfully held in the area.
