asked the Minister for Transport and Power when he proposes to introduce legislation to transfer responsibility for the Grand Canal from CIE to the Office of Public Works.
50.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grand Canal.
49.
(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Transport and Power when he intends to introduce legislation to transfer the Grand Canal to the jurisdiction of the Office of Public Works.
51.
(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Transport and Power if any plans have been drawn up for the closure of the portion of the Grand Canal from Suir Road Bridge to James's Street Harbour.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 50 and 51 together.
Proposals for the transfer of responsibility for the Grand Canal from CIE to the Office of Public Works and for the closure of the section of the canal between Suir Road Bridge and James's Street Harbour are still under consideration. I am arranging to have decisions in these matters expedited.
Is it not true that a Bill is so near to the stage of final drafting as to make very little difference to it? As far as I know there were only one or two matters outstanding.
The Deputy will be aware that this is something which has been going on now for a considerable number of years and it will be brought to a conclusion as quickly as possible but there are still some investigations going on and some relevant points of view by sections of the public service to be considered.
Will the Minister undertake to try to have these matters resolved as soon as possible? I had hoped that the Bill would have been introduced by a Fianna Fáil Minister in this session.
I will so undertake.
(Dublin Central): Will the Minister try to speed up this legislation especially in relation to that part of the canal from Suir Road Bridge to James's Street Harbour. This is a dangerous hazard in the area.
I will so undertake but it is, I think, only fair to the new Government that I should point out that the Deputy was making representations about this in 1967 and explicit promises were being made in June, 1971, so the delay is not the fault of this Government. It is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
The Minister is aware that there were different points of view expressed not only by the general public but by the Government because, if the Grand Canal develops as it is hoped, this may be the first place where boats could pull in, but I think the decision came down in favour of closing it.
Then the Deputy does not want to close it any more, I take it.
I do, from the bridge down to Iveagh Flats.
However, the point of decision will, of course, rest with the Government.