Paul McGrath
Ceist:59 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the work which has been carried out along the Royal Canal during 1992; and the work, if any, which is planned for 1993.
Written Answers. - Royal Canal Restoration.
The ongoing Royal Canal restoration programme, which is being carried out by the Office of Public Works, achieved significant progress in 1992. Work continued on the restoration and reopening of the section of canal between Blanchardstown and the River Liffey. Works consist of dredging the canal to navigation depth, removal of spoil, restoration of lock chambers, construction of replacement lock gates, fitting of lock gates and the provision and improvement of pedestrian towpaths. In 1992, the Office of Public Works restoration works have progressed to the 2nd lock at Binn's Bridge in Dublin. At present, dredging works are being carried out on the first level between Newcomen Bridge and Binn's Bridge and with the completion of these works, the installation of new lock gates at the 2nd lock, and the replacement of the railway culvert at Newcomen Bridge with a new lifting bridge in 1993, the Royal Canal will be navigable from Dublin to Mullingar.
Works are also underway on the restoration of the Canal west of Mullingar to its junction with the River Shannon at Clondra. Here again, where works are being carried out at the same time as those on the Dublin stretch, progress has been considerable. In 1992 dredging and bank clearance works have been carried out between the 35th lock at Ballynacargy and the 40th lock at Mullawornia, County Longford. Also, a section of the Longford Branch of the Royal Canal was dredged and rewatered and now provides a pleasant amenity for local residents. In 1993, restoration works will continue to progress westwards towards the Shannon.
Aside from the major restoration works being carried out by the Office of Public Works, they have also carried out considerable environmental improvement works along the system e.g. dredging works in Mullingar, fish restocking at Maynooth and Leixlip, fishing surveys at Mullingar, water supply studies and provision of assistance to local voluntary groups along the system. While most of the resources available to the Office in 1993 for the Royal Canal will again be committed to the major restoration works required, similar environmental improvement works will also be carried out in 1993.