Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2009
163 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding his plans to extend the Glasson Canal in towards the village at Glasson, County Westmeath; if a feasibility study has been completed in this regard, as was promised in earlier replies to parliamentary questions; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5525/09]
View answerI am informed by Waterways Ireland that, in order to develop the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Glasson Village Plan and at the request of Westmeath County Council, it has recently commissioned an assessment of the Extension of Navigation to Glasson under Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive to ensure that the proposal is in compliance with the Habitats Directive. It is anticipated that this assessment will be completed by the end of June 2009.
I am further informed that Waterways Ireland, in accordance with Department of Finance requirements, will also be updating the economic appraisal of this project over the summer and would expect to be in a position to consider submission of a planning application by the end of the year.
