Vol. 500 No. 2
168 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands when the Office of Public Works will carry out repairs to the drainage at Shandon Gardens, Royal Canal, Dublin 7, where flooding has occurred. [3757/99]
Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department, suspects the existence of a high-level weep in the southern bank of the Royal Canal west of the sixth lock at Shandon Mills. An investigation will be carried out as soon as possible to evaluate the situation and to determine the remedial works that may be necessary. In the interim, Dúchas will endeavour to keep the level of water between sixth and seventh locks below the suspected weep zone.
169 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 3 February 1999, the official of the waterways service who visited the lock house, Graiguecullen, County Carlow, was asked to investigate the impact of the new development on the integrity of the lockhouse property; her views on the fact that the privacy of the family residing in the lock house has been invaded and cannot be restored notwithstanding the fact that planning permission was obtained; the way in which her Department will protect the property and the rights of the residents; if she will examine the flooding caused by surface water from the neighbouring property in view of the fact the problem did not exist before the development took place; if she will examine the various remedies put forward to the river flooding problem; and if she will act immediately to protect the rights of the elderly couple who reside in the house. [3767/99]
Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 3 February 1999, it has been policy over the years to permit retired lockkeepers who have held lockhouses as an emolument of their employment to remain in occupation of these dwellings after retirement until such time as they can make alternative arrangements. This is the situation of the former lockkeeper at Carlow Lock.
As I previously stated, the private development overlooking the lockhouse is not on canal property and it was granted full planning permission by the planning authority. The lockhouse has been affected by flooding for many years and the Office of Public Works is considering a number of options for flood alleviation in the Carlow area. The impact of any proposed flood relief scheme on canal property will be assessed in due course.
I am satisfied that the waterways official who recently visited the lockhouse has dealt with the situation in a sympathetic and sensitive manner. I understand the former lockkeeper and his wife have expressed a wish to remain in the lockhouse and I do not intend to frustrate their wishes. However, should they apply to the local authority for alternative accommodation, my Department will support their application.
