Vol. 514 No. 1
204 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, her Department has to develop the Grand Canal regarding pumping stations, fresh water supplies, mooring berths and the provision of lighting at the locks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3758/00]
Pump-out facilities have been provided at various strategic locations along the Grand Canal. The installation, maintenance and operation of these facilities is a matter for each local authority. Fresh water supplies are similarly available at strategic locations along the canal system and the provision of extra supplies may be considered at suitable locations. Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, has provided a large number of mooring berths at various locations along the Grand Canal system. There are no plans to provide lighting at locks on the canal.
205 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if, further to previous parliamentary questions regarding the dry dock on the Grand Canal in Athy, County Kildare, she will roof the dock, provide an electrical supply and water supply and have the dock as a focus for the development of the boating industry in the Athy area in view of the fact that there are 65 boat owners in the immediate area in need of proper facilities to repair their boats; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3759/00]
As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to a similar question on 26 January 2000, No. 636, in relation to this matter, it is intended to restore and upgrade the facility to a satisfactory operational standard. The works will include the installation of new gates and the erection of railings around the dry dock and it is hoped to under take the project this year. However, I have no plans to roof or provide an electrical supply at the dry dock There is already a water supply provided near the 27th lock and I have no plans to provide an additional water supply at the dry dock in Athy.
206 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the programme for providing walks and cycling tracks adjacent to the Grand Canal in south Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3760/00]
As the Deputy is aware, there are long stretches of towpath available for walking along the canal system. In recognition of this, the canals are included in the "Waymarked Ways Walking Ireland 2000 Guide". At present, my Department has no plans to provide cycling tracks along the Grand Canal in south Kildare.
207 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department will examine the provision of fishing berths for disabled anglers along the Grand Canal at Athy, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3761/00]
As the Deputy is aware my Department has provided angling facilities for disabled anglers on the Grand Canal at Ballyteague, near Robertstown, County Kildare. I have no plans to provide a similar facility at Athy.
