(Cavan) asked the Minister for Finance if he will take steps to have the Woodford Canal between Ballyconnell, County Cavan and Ballinamore, County Leitrim made navigable in order to facilitate tourists wishing to travel by boat from the Erne; if he is aware that this would be a first step to connect the Erne and the Shannon and that the amount of money necessary to make the canal navigable between Ballyconnell and Ballinamore would not be substantial; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Woodford Canal.
33.
The Commissioners of Public Works have no functions at present in connection with the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal.
Any proposals for opening up additional stretches of navigable waterways could be justified only on the basis of likely tourism benefits and, accordingly, such proposals would fall to be considered in the light of tourist development policies.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware of any proposals in regard to this waterway in his Department at the moment? Would he not agree that, apart from the point of view of tourism, the draining of this canal would relieve flooding in the area to a very considerable extent and make good land available to the farmers?
I am aware of the fact that the Minister for Transport and Power is examining some proposals in this connection from the tourism point of view.
(Cavan): Will the Minister urge the Minister for Transport and Power to do something about this and, more important still, will the Minister make money available to his colleague to enable him to do this?
The Minister for Transport and Power and I have already discussed this matter and there is no great problem.
(Cavan): Would the Minister——
I am calling Question No. 34. We cannot discuss this question in detail. The Deputy has asked two supplementary questions.
(Cavan): I have not got an answer.
We have 123 questions to deal with.
(Cavan): Will the Minister let me know the results of his discussion with the Minister for Transport and Power?
Any such results will be announced in due course.