Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2012
155. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to establish an inter-agency group to explore ways of advancing the marketing of the Royal Canal in terms of regeneration, sport, recreation, heritage and culture and fully establishing a waterborne and towpath corridor from Dublin to Longford and his proposal regarding the conservation of built heritage features; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46746/12]
View answerWhile there are no plans at present to establish an inter-agency group for the Royal Canal, I am advised that Waterways Ireland regularly works in conjunction with many statutory and voluntary bodies to promote the Royal Canal. In this regard, I understand that Waterways Ireland, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, the South Dublin, Kildare, Offaly, Fingal, Meath, Westmeath and Longford County Councils, and the relevant Rural Partnership Companies, have recently begun the process of formulating a study with a view to identifying the recreational and tourism potential within the Grand Canal Rural and Royal Canal Rural. The study will address the future recreational and tourism needs in these areas and will be managed through the establishment of a steering group, chaired by Waterways Ireland with representatives from Fáilte Ireland and the relevant local authorities, as well as the Rural Partnership Companies. The study will also be developed with the overall inland waterways in mind and the broader navigable waterway network as a backdrop. This will allow for the formulation of an integrated plan for the entire canal network, while at the same time ensuring the individual needs of the Grand Canal Rural & Royal Canal Rural can be identified and accommodated.
The Deputy will, of course, be aware that a key element of the Waterways Ireland corporate strategy is to ensure that the built heritage of the Royal Canal is developed and managed in such a way that its distinctive heritage values are conserved, while its potential for future public use and enjoyment is enhanced. In order to facilitate this, Waterways Ireland commissioned an inventory of heritage structures along the length of the Royal Canal in 2007. This inventory includes architectural, engineering and industrial heritage and was conducted to ensure that heritage requirements are incorporated into the future design, construction and maintenance phases of Waterways Ireland’s projects throughout the Royal Canal.
During the restoration of the Royal Canal, Waterways Ireland undertook a number of conservation works to protect heritage, including the complete refurbishment of Lock 45 on the Royal Canal by heritage specialists using traditional techniques, the refurbishment of the masonry arch bridge at Lyneen, the complete redevelopment of the canal building at Richmond Harbour and the commencement of conservation works at Camlin Lock House in Clondra.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that Waterways Ireland proactively engages with relevant statutory bodies with regard to the protection of built heritage along the Royal Canal and that body has advised that it will continue to do this.
