Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 6

Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.

John Bruton

Question:

309 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has for the continuation of the restoration of the Royal Canal particularly in the Enfield area of County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6666/99]

John Bruton

Question:

310 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will provide funding for the provision of toilet and washroom facilities on the banks of the Royal Canal at Enfield, County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6667/99]

John Bruton

Question:

311 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will provide a progress report in relation to the provision of an ornate footbridge facility at Enfield over the Royal Canal; the stage in the design and planning of the bridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6668/99]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 to 311, inclusive, together.

The Royal Canal has been restored to navigation from Dublin to Mullingar, which includes the stretch in the Enfield area. My priority is to complete the programme of restoration works included in the EU Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-99. There is no provision in that programme for an ornate footbridge at Enfield or the provision of toilet and washroom facilities there. I am not in a position to say at this stage what capital works will be undertaken in future years.

The Royal Canal amenity group is planning a jubilee rally from Dublin to Abbeyshrule next August and my Department proposes to carry out maintenance dredging of sections of the canal, including the Enfield stretch prior to the event.