Maintenance and development works will both continue on the Royal Canal during 1991 and for future years as resources become available. The emphasis this year will be on restoring navigation through the city of Dublin. This, when achieved, will link the River Liffey with Mullingar. A programme of lockgate manufacture for locks between Mullingar and the Shannon is under way.
It is intended that the Kilbeggan branch will be restored and reopened to navigation. It is not possible, however, to indicate when the necessary resources might be made available. I am well aware of the good work being done in Kilbeggan by the local development association and I am advised that the Commissioners of Public Works have provided some assistance to the group.