The Grand Canal corridor study published in 1995 provides a strategy and proposals for canal regeneration from Grand Canal Dock, Ringsend, to Lucan Road Bridge and I am arranging to provide the Deputy with a copy of the report.
Following publication of the study a Grand Canal task force was set up to co-ordinate and monitor the activities of the various agencies responsible for developments within the canal corridor. A regeneration officer was also employed to engage directly with community groups with a view to encouraging local participation in the development of the canal. A number of community employment schemes were organised in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot areas to carry out landscaping improvement works along the canal. A community barge reconstruction project was also set up in Clondalkin with the assistance of the waterways service of my Department.
The waterways service also carried out works in this area including the construction of a jetty at the ninth lock. An intensive fish stocking of the area was also undertaken with the assistance of the Central Fisheries Board and the area has been developed as a match stretch with the installation of fish stands and markers.
The Deputy will be aware that Waterways Ireland, a North-South implementation body for inland waterways, was established on 2 December 1999 on foot of the British-Irish Agreement and was assigned the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterways systems throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. Accordingly, any future developments on the canal system will be a matter for Waterways Ireland under the North-South Ministerial Council.
