Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

518 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there are plans to extend the Ballyconnell-Ballinamore Canal up into Killykeen towards Killeshandra; his views on the fact that this is a vital part of the infrastructure in the area if tourism is to be maintained and improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22823/03]

(Éamon Ó Cuív): Waterways Ireland is a North-South Implementation Body established in 1999 under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. Waterways Ireland has responsibility for the management, maintenance and development of inland waterways, principally for recreational purposes.

The extension of the Ballyconnell-Ballinamore Canal up into Killykeen towards Killeshandra is not included in the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and Waterways Ireland has advised me that it has no plans to extend this stretch of the canal at present.