Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

227 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the views of the people in the catchment area of the Ulster Canal, regarding the value in economic, social, tourism and cross border terms of refurbishing the canal; if she will ensure these views are taken into account at the North South Ministerial Council on 23 November 2001; if she will support the refurbishment of the canal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29223/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

A consultant's report, A Feasibility Study into the Re-opening of the Ulster Canal, was presented to the waterways sectoral North-South Ministerial Council meeting, attended by me and Mr. Michael McGimpsey, MLA, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, in Enniskillen on 27 June 2001.

The study is being further considered by officials of my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Finance and Personnel in the North. The matter will come up for mention at the waterways sectoral North-South Ministerial Council meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday, 23 November 2001.

There will be broad consultation on the issue in the coming months and the Deputy can be reassured that the views of the people in the catchment area will be taken into account.