Vol. 221 No. 2
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to a report to the effect that dumping of rubbish in the Grand Canal is common and that Córas Iompair Éireann do nothing to stop it or to rectify the situation; and if he will request CIE to take steps to prevent this dumping.
8.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power what annual maintenance is done on the Grand Canal with a view to keeping it in a clean condition and navigable so as to increase its attractiveness as a tourist amenity.
9.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will take steps to have the care of the Grand Canal transferred from Córas Iompair Éireann to the Commissioners of Public Works or to Bord Fáilte, so as to have it properly maintained as a tourist amenity.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 7, 8 and 9 together.
I am informed by CIE that there are isolated cases of dumping of rubbish in the Grand Canal in Dublin city and that the Board take all steps possible to prevent such dumping and to remove obstructions, when they are known to exist. The city section of the canal between Inchicore and Ringsend was thoroughly dredged between June and December, 1964.
CIE are obliged by statute to maintain the Grand Canal in a fit condition for navigation and they are fulfilling this obligation. Two excavators are employed in cleaning the canal and maintenance barges are also employed on maintenance work. In addition four weed-cutting machines, including two of a very modern type, are engaged keeping weed growth in the canal under control.
No decision has yet been reached on the long-term future of the canal or on the question of transferring responsibility for the canal from CIE to some other authority.
