Albert Reynolds
Question:41 Mr. A. Reynolds asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the updated programme for the re-opening of the Royal Canal throughout County Longford; and when it is to be initiated. [29739/00]
Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.
Willie Penrose
Question:221 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the amount of funding provided for the restoration programme for the Royal Canal from Abbeyshrule to Clondra, County Westmeath; the likely timescale to completion; the nature of the works to be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30347/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 221 together.
As Deputies are aware, Waterways Ireland, a North-South Implementation Body for inland waterways, was established on 2 December 1999 on foot of the British-Irish 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.
Under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, a provision of £12 million was provided for capital expenditure on the Royal Canal restoration project, with a view to reopening the navigation from Abbeyshrule to the Shannon by 2006. The programme, which is in progress, includes construction of six road bridges to replace existing culverts; construction of a Bord na Móna accommodation bridge to replace the existing structure at grade crossings; reconstruction of bog embankments at three different locations between Abbeyshrule and Clondra; installation of lock gates, jetties and moorings; repairs to cul verts and overflows; reconstruction and strengthening of stretches of canal bed and banks; provision of additional water supplies for navigational purposes; and landscaping.