Denis Naughten
Question:308 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans she has to carry out maintenance works on the River Shannon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28184/00]
Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.
Denis Naughten
Question:309 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the discussions she has had with Waterways Ireland with regard to carrying out maintenance works on the River Shannon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28185/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.
Waterways Ireland, a North-South Implementation Body for inland waterways, established under the British-Irish Agreement, is now responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain of Ireland's inland navigable waterways systems, including the Shannon. Accordingly, I now have no function in carrying out maintenance works on the River Shannon.
However, I am advised that Waterways Ireland has in place an annual maintenance programme for the Shannon navigation which includes the upkeep of locks, lifting bridges, weirs, jetties, harbours, navigation markers and the dredging of channels for navigation purposes.