Vol. 536 No. 5
300 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the cost benefit analysis which has been carried out in regard to the various works to improve navigation on the rivers Suir and Barrow during the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14637/01]
Waterways Ireland, a North-South Implementation Body for inland waterways, was established on 2 December 1999 on foot of the 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. The new body has no jurisdiction on the River Suir, but it has responsibility for navigation on the River Barrow from Athy to St. Mullins.
The Deputy might wish to note that the Barrow navigation was transferred from CIE to the State under the Canals Act, 1986. There is a statutory obligation under this Act on waterways authorities to provide for the care, management and maintenance of the navigation. In such circumstances, the question of applying formal cost benefit analysis in respect of navigational maintenance and improvement works may not be appropriate although due care is exercised to ensure that such works are at all times carried out in a cost-effective manner.
301 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will arrange for immediate attention to be given to cleaning up the section of the Grand Canal within the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14618/01]
Waterways Ireland, a North-South Implementation Body for inland waterways, was established on 2 December 1999 on foot of the 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.
