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Inland Waterways Maintenance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 February 2014

Thursday, 20 February 2014

Questions (145)

Joe Higgins

Question:

145. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reasons for the early closure of the 14th lock on the Grand Canal near Sallins, County Kildare, by Waterways Ireland on 24 January 2014 in contravention of Marine Notice 5/2014; his views with reference to the inconvenience faced by a number of boat users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8670/14]

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Written answers

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that Marine Notice No. 5 of 2014 referred to by the Deputy only relates to Sallins moorings and not the 14th Lock. I am also informed by Waterways Ireland that its Marine Notice No. 124 of 2013 which issued on 25 October 2013 advised that the 13th level of the Grand Canal (which leads to the 14th Lock) would be closed from Monday 4 November 2013 until February 2014 due to works by Kildare County Council associated with the laying of a new water main. That Notice was in force on the date referred to by the Deputy and it remains in force. I am also advised that Marine Notice No. 130 of 2013 issued by Waterways Ireland on 21 November 2013 advising of planned winter closures on the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation confirmed the closure of the 13th Level of the Grand Canal up February 2014. That Notice also confirmed the closure of the public moorings East and West of Sallins Bridge until mid-March 2014 to facilitate the construction of new public jetties.

I would point out that it is for the owner, master or skipper of a boat to inform themselves of the relevant navigation information such as Marine Notices before setting out on a journey. In that regard, Marine Notices 124 and 130 make it clear that access to the 14th lock, which is via the 13th level, has been closed from Monday 4th November 2013 until February 2014.

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