Vol. 535 No. 1
474 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the time-scale for the renewal of the Dublin City stretch of the Royal Canal; if the section between Clarkes Bridge and Croke Park is included in the pilot phase to compliment the renewal at Croke Park; and if the contractor is covered for liability where damage is caused to adjoining houses at Charleville Mall arising from the work. [11659/01]
As the Deputy is aware, the Dublin City canals pilot schemes are jointly funded by Dublin Corporation and Waterways Ireland, a North/South implementation body for inland waterways, established on foot of the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999.
I understand that works commenced on the Royal Canal pilot project on the 20 March 2001, and it is estimated that works will be completed in six months. However, because construction costs have considerably escalated over the past few years the improvement works along the stretch between Clarkes Bridge and Croke Park cannot be included in the present contract.
In relation to the works, I wish to state that my Department has no contractual role in the project.
