Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 5

Written Answers. - Royal Canal Navigation.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

95 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has for the Royal Canal and its return to full navigability; the schedule of works that it is intended to carry out in County Westmeath to achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Dempsey)

The Office of Public Works have been engaged in a programme of restoration for the Royal Canal for several years. To date fifty miles of the canal, from Dublin City to Mullingar, has been restored to a navigable condition, with locks restored, spoil dredged and pedestrian access restored along the towpath.

The programme is proceeding as rapidly as the financial resources available to the Office allow. At present, restoration of boat access to Dublin Bay is nearing completion. Additionally, dredging works have been underway west of Mullingar for some time and are proceeding towards the Shannon.

In relation to outstanding works on the canal in County Westmeath, the position is that the nine mile section between Coolnahay and the County Longford boundary has been dredged and rewatered. Pedestrian access has been restored along this towpath. In addition, the installation of lock gates is now underway at the lock in Ballynacargy.

Dredging of the canal between Mullingar and Coolnahay is being carried out on a phased basis partly to minimise disruption to the rich flora which make this section such a unique and attractive stretch. The section of the canal in Mullingar itself can only be dredged when the culvert at the Dublin Road Bridge is removed and access is possible for a barge mounted dredger.

It is hoped that the recent opening of the Mullingar By-Pass road will reduce the volume of traffic using Moran's bridge on the Dublin Road and thus open up the possibility of doing the works necessary to facilitate the extension of navigation beyond the bridge into the town. Preparation of a design for these works is at an advanced stage and it is hoped to advance the matter in further discussions with Westmeath County Council.

The availability of an adequate water supply is of vital importance if the canal is to be restored for navigation as recommended in the Management and Development strategy for the Grand and Royal Canals and the River Barrow. As the volume of water available from existing sources is inadequate, the Office of Public Works is undertaking a comprehensive study to try to identify the possible new sources of supply.

Another major task which must be carried out before full restoration can be achieved is the reconstruction of the canal banks and bed through Ballymaglavy Bog.

Various other environmental works will also be necessary before the canal can achieve its full potential as a public amenity. The rate of progress will depend on the resources which are available but full restoration will require a very considerable financial commitment.