asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the responsibility of the Office of Public Works towards the maintenance of roads and footpaths along the Grand Canal in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Grand Canal Maintenance and Development.
95.
The canal towpaths were designed to carry horse and pedestrian traffic. They are, in general, unsuitable for use as roadways by modern vehicular traffic.
The Office of Public Works will maintain the towpaths to a standard appropriate to their status as an integral part of the canal's amenity. This does not require their being hard surfaced. For this reason the Office of Public Works would not encourage any extension of paved surfaces.
The Office of Public Works would, however, be prepared to approve suitable schemes, to be undertaken by local people at their own expense, to maintain existing hard surfaces. Alternatively, they would have no objection to county councils carrying out repairs, as has been done in the past.
Some discussions have already been held with Offaly County Council and I understand that further consideration will be given to the matter shortly by both the Office of Public Works and the council.
96.
asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to be able to publish the consultants report on the development of the Grand Canal; the steps needed to improve and extend the tourism potential of the canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the report commissioned by the Office of Public Works on the Grand and Royal Canals prior to their transfer from CIE in 1986. That report was published in February 1988 and copies have been given to all the relevant planning authorities, tourism organisations and other interested bodies. Copies are also available for purchase from the Office of Public Works.
The consultants' report sets out detailed recommendations for development of all sections of the canals and these recommendations form the basis of the programme of works being undertaken by the Office of Public Works according as resources become available.
I will forward a copy of the report in question to the Deputy in due course.