Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.
Alan M. Dukes
Question:
15
Mr. Dukes
asked the
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands
the expenditure and planned programme of work to be carried out in 2000 on inland waterways; the long-term projections for work of this nature; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[23851/99]
The total provision in the 2000 Estimates for inland waterways is £12.473 million of which £6.272 million is provided for current expenditure and £6.201 million for capital works. Of the provision of £6.201 million for capital works, some £2 million is earmarked for completion of projects already under way such as the improvement of navigation in Limerick city, extension of the Suck navigation to Ballinasloe and extension of navigation to Boyle. The balance of £4.2 million will be expended on new projects and sundry items such as acquisition of property to facilitate works and purchase of plant and machinery.
At this stage, the full programme of works for 2000 has not yet been decided but I anticipate that a start can be made on projects such as the completion of restoration of the Royal Canal, a new harbour at Ballyleague, the provision of additional moorings at various locations on the Shannon navigation, including Shannonbridge, and additional landing stages at locks on the Grand Canal and the Barrow navigation. It is envisaged that the future annual capital funding over the period of the plan will be of the same order as for the year 2000. Under the national development plan it is intended to further develop the Shannon navigation and the Shannon/Erne waterway by improving facilities at existing locations and adding new destinations to cater for increased usage of the system; and con tinue to restore, improve and develop the canals and Barrow navigation to attract new visitors and provide a catalyst for regeneration in less developed areas.
Details of all the projects to be carried out under the plan have not yet been decided but I hope to complete this process early in 2000. This is a very substantial investment in the waterways and will lead to a much enhanced product that will enable us to consolidate and expand the tourism market for waterways-associated holidays and activities and help spread the tourism benefits to the many small rural communities along the waterways corridors.
I must also mention, however, that the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999, passed earlier this year by both Houses of the Oireachtas but yet to be brought into force pending the setting up of the Northern Ireland Executive, provides for the establishment of Waterways Ireland, a North/South Implementation Body for inland waterways. Waterways Ireland will have the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterways system throughout this island, principally for recreational purposes. When the body comes into being, I will have discussions with my counterpart in Northern Ireland regarding inland waterways and the programme to be pursued by Waterways Ireland and, of course, these discussions will be continuous in the context of the proposed North/South Ministerial Council.
