Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 5

Written Answers. - Royal Canal Restoration Programme.

James C. Tunney

Ceist:

122 Mr. Tunney asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline his further proposals for the restoration, navigation and first class amenities standards of the Royal Canal, especially in the stretches in Blanchardstown and the River Liffey.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. N. Treacy)

The second phase of the Royal Canal Restoration Programme commenced in January 1990 and involves the restoration of the Royal Canal stretches between Blanchardstown and the River Liffey.

The restoration works involve the dredging of the canal to navigational depth, removal of spoil, installation of new lockgates and the rewatering of levels as required. The final full set of lockgates needed for the city sections of the canal are currently being installed by the Office of Public Works at the North Strand. The remaining dredging work, between Binn's Bridge, Drumcondra and the River Liffey at North Wall Quay, will be carried out during the summer. Agreement has also been reached by the Commissioners of Public Works with Iarnród Éireann for the replacement of the railway culvert on the canal, east of North Strand bridge, with a new swing bridge. This should be installed before the end of the year. With the completion of these works it will then be possible for boats to travel on the Royal Canal from the Liffey to Mullingar.

Once the major engineering works associated with the restoration of this stretch of the canal have been completed the Office of Public Works hopes to undertake follow up environmental improvement works and restock the canal with coarse fish.

The works currently being carried out by the Office of Public Works on the canal will dramatically improve the environment in this area and provide a visible and valuable amenity for the local residents which can be appreciated and enjoyed by all.