Vol. 527 No. 4
159 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when she will discuss the Ulster canal project with her Northern Ireland counterparts; if it will be funded as part of the present National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28848/00]
Under the terms of its establishment, Waterways Ireland was required to undertake further studies and bring forward proposals on the possible reopening of the Ulster Canal.
Waterways Ireland have employed consultants to update the 1998 feasibility study, which was prepared by ESBI and Ferguson and McIlveen. The final report will be presented to Waterways Ireland shortly. The body will then assess it and within the forum of the North-South Ministerial Council, advise both me and the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Mr. Michael McGimpsey.
