asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that there is an old disused canal, the property of the Board of Works, in Athlone, that refuse and dirt have been thrown into it, until it is now choked up and a danger to the public health, and whether as the Board of Works have refused to expend any money on it, he will make representations to the Department of Finance on the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - ATHLONE CANAL.
This matter was investigated locally towards the end of last year, when it was ascertained that the extent of refuse deposited in the river could not be described as a nuisance. It appeared that the practice of the local people could be prevented by the enforcement of the prohibition contained in the Shannon Navigation Bye-Laws, and that there was ample refuse accommodation about 250 yards away for the needs of the whole town. In the circumstances steps were taken to bring the matter to the notice of the Gárda Síochána for any necessary action on their part. I do not feel justified in recommending the expenditure of public funds to remedy the consequences of unlawful action on the part of the residents of the district. I am, however, having a further inspection made now, and I will give careful consideration to the report when it is received.