asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended in the context of the National Development Plan 1989-1993 to link up, through old canal reopening and other works, the Shannon to Lough Allen for boating purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna— Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Link to Lough Allen.
18.
The potential for development of our inland waterways generally has been taken into account in drawing up the National Development Plan 1989-1993.
The proposal to reopen the link from Lough Allen to the Shannon for boating purposes has been discussed with local community interests. Before a decision can be reached on it, further technical examination of the problems involved is required. It is intended that a preliminary investigation will be undertaken very shortly by the Office of Public Works in consultation with the Electricity Supply Board who have statutory control over water levels in the lake. Further progress will depend on the outcome of that investigation.
Is the Minister aware that the community around Lough Allen have produced a major development plan based on tourism and agri-tourism to revitalise this area and that central to all this is the reopening of the Lough Allen canal? Is he further aware that the ESB, who are the owners of the water, have agreed to the plan which has been submitted? In view of that, would the Minister indicate firmly whether the reopening of the canal has been included in the plan which has now been submitted to Brussels or in any of the regional plans for the area?
I am fully aware of the proposals by the Lough Allen Regional Community Development Company. I met the members of that company and discussed the plan in great detail with them. As a result, further meetings have been held between officials of my Department, the ESB, Leitrim County Council and representatives of that company. A technical assessment is being carried out vis-à-vis the feasibility, the costings and the benefit that may accrue as a result of opening this waterway. When those technical assessments have been concluded, a decision will be taken.
Is the Minister aware that already technical studies have been carried out by this development company? In view of the fact that there is a by-election pending in the Sligo-Leitrim area, would he be prepared to make a firm commitment to the reopening of this canal?
The technical assessment being carried out has nothing to do with the by-election; it has to do with the canal waterway and I await the report.