Vol. 277 No. 9
asked the Minister for Finance whether it is possible to restore the Ballinamore and Ballyconnell canal which formerly linked the river Shannon with Upper Lough Erne; if this proposal has been examined; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
16.
asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to provide £100,000 for survey and cleaning work on the Woodford canal which joins the Erne and the Shannon.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
An engineering survey of the main channel of the Ballinamore and Ballyconnell canal within the State measuring approximately 30 miles has been in progress since 1973. Some additional field work is necessary and it is hoped to have this done during the coming year. The hydrology of the catchment is at present being studied in order to measure water inflows and to determine the type of controls necessary so as to reconcile as far as possible any conflicting interest of drainage and navigation. A joint survey by the Northern and Southern authorities of the remaining seven mile stretch of the canal which runs along the Border would then be necessary. Until these surveys have been completed and the results assessed it would not be possible to say whether the restoration of the canal would be feasible.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate how much the work being done at present will cost?
I have no information regarding cost, but if the Deputy will communicate with me I shall let him know.
