asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of the River Shannon and, in particular, for keeping the bed of the river free from undue growth of weeds; and if it is not responsible, what body is responsible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Shannon Maintenance.
13.
The Commissioners of Public Works are statutorily responsible for the maintenance of the River Shannon as a public navigable river. The commissioners ensure that the growth of weeds does not interfere with the free passage of vessels on the navigation.
At the moment, in Athlone, free navigation is rendered difficult and hazardous by reason of growth of weeds. Will the Parliamentary Secretary take steps to have them cut immediately?
The commissioners are not statutorily obliged to remove weeds from outside the navigational channel, as such. As a result of representations by Deputy B. Lenihan, Minister for Transport and Power, the commissioners have agreed to examine this problem again. They have not, at the moment, the necessary weed cutting machinery.
CIE have it on the Grand Canal. It should be available to the Commissioners of Public Works, also.
We have not got it.
What happened about the statement by the Minister for Transport and Power before the Roscommon by-election that cleaning of the Shannon would start inside the following few months?
Deputy L'Estrange is competing for his share of the publicity. He is getting worried about his seat.
I am not. We shall hold our seats—on merit.