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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 2

Written Answers - Harbours and Piers.

Willie Penrose

Question:

239 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will expand on his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 477 of 26 November 2002, and in particular the reasons on health and safety grounds for the closure of Richmond Harbour, Clondra, County Longford; if the investigation into the feasibility of re-opening the dry dock has concluded; when it will be re-opened, as there is a demand from recreational users that this should take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5721/03]

The matter raised by the deputy is a day to day operational matter for Waterways Ireland, one of the six North-South implementation bodies established under the British-Irish Agreement Act in 1999.

Richmond Harbour, Clondra, County Longford is at the western terminus of the Royal Canal. The dry-dock in the harbour dates back to the original construction of the canal. Without extensive repairs and modifications, the structure would not meet today's more stringent health and safety standards. It is intended that these health and safety issues will be addressed as part of the overall Royal Canal restoration project. However, with work on the canal progressing westwards from Dublin to the Shannon, Waterways Ireland do not plan to carry out this work in the immediate future.

Meanwhile, the harbour is open to vessels on the Shannon navigation and it may be accessed on request to the lock-keeper at Tarmonbarry. Furthermore, dry docking facilities are available at Rooskey, 15 kilometers north of Clondra.

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