Vol. 430 No. 5
40 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Finance if he and the Commissioners for Public Works will give their support to the proposal to construct a marina on the Abbey River in Limerick city which will have the effect of allowing navigation between Lough Derg and the estuary of the Shannon and will be of great benefit to the development of tourist-related projects in Limerick city.
I am aware of the proposal for the construction of a marina on the Abbey River in Limerick. It is at present in a very preliminary form. I understand however that implementation of the proposal as it has been put forward would require major engineering works and while no detailed estimate has been made the cost would be likely to exceed £10 million.
The National Canals and Waterways Strategy which was recently published by the Commissioners of Public Works recommends as a matter of high priority that a scheme along the lines proposed should be examined.
The Commissioners of Public Works have indicated their support in principle for the proposal subject to: (a) the availability of the necessary funds and (b) it being demonstrated to their satisfaction that there would be a satisfactory level of usage of any facilities that might be provided.
I, and the Commissioners of Public Works, would certainly support the enhancement of facilities on the Shannon Navigation subject to the necessary funds being available.
We will continue to co-operate with the proposer of this scheme and other interested parties towards this end.
