asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the fact that the proposal to reclaim the Grand Canal from Suir Bridge to James's Street harbour has been approved, legislation will be initiated before the work is carried out.
Ceisteanna——Questions. Oral Answers. - Inland Waterways.
148.
Section 23 of the Transport Act, 1958, provides that CIE may close to navigation any canal or part of a canal belonging to them which has not been used for public navigation for three years or more. In accordance with the provisions of this section, CIE have closed to navigation the stretch of canal from Suir Bridge to James's Street harbour.
I have been informed by CIE that Dublin Corporation are at present negotiating with the board for the acquisition of part of the property involved. The board have powers under section 13 of the Transport Act, 1950, to dispose of any property which is not required by them for the discharge of their duties and legislation will not, therefore, be necessary for this purpose. Neither will legislation be necessary to enable the canal to be reclaimed.
149.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power when he proposes to initiate legislation to transfer responsibility for the canals of Ireland to the Office of Public Works.
As indicated in my reply to a similar question on 8th May, 1974, certain aspects of the proposed transfer of the Grand and Royal canals from CIE to the Office of Public Works are being examined by an ad hoc group comprising representatives of the Departments of Finance and Transport and Power, the Office of Public Works, CIE and Bord Fáilte. No action in relation to the formulation of legislation can be taken until the report of the group has been received and considered.