Vol. 519 No. 1
145 Ms M. McGennis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will report on the implementation of the Grand Canal linear study carried out by her Department; and the proposed measures to implement these recommendations in the Kilmainham, Dolphin's Barn, Inchicore, Drimnagh and Ballyfermot areas. [13214/00]
Following the launch of the Grand Canal corridor study in July 1994, a task force was established to oversee the implementation of improvements along the canal system in the Dublin area. Advances have been made in a number of areas including the establishment of community employment schemes with a focus on canal improvements in Clondalkin and Ballyfermot. Under these schemes site clearance and landscaping improvement works have been undertaken along the canal system in these areas. The waterways division of my Department has also carried out a major tree planting programme in the Inchicore and Dolphin's Barn areas. Waterways has also replaced lock gates in Dublin area, and has also undertaken some dredging works on the main line. Fish stocking has been carried out on the system in association with the Central Fisheries Board and local angling groups.
The Deputy should note that Waterways Ireland, a North-South implementation body for inland waterways, was established on 2f10> December 1999 on foot of the Good Friday Agreement and the supplementary implementation bodies agreement signed in March 1999. It has the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterways systems throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. Accordingly, I have to advise the Deputy that the matter raised by her is now one which will be dealt with by Waterways Ireland.
