Vol. 443 No. 1
44 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Finance if he will have arrangements made to repair the tunnel under the canal between Rhodebridge and Tubberdalybridge, Rhode, County Offaly, to include lowering a pipe by six feet, doing away with the siphon, in view of the fact that this pipe is not able to function during periods of heavy rain and it can cause flooding of up to 2,000 acres of land.
The existence of a significant leak in the tunnel in question which passes under the Grand Canal first came to the attention of the Commissioners of Public Works two weeks ago. Work to repair the leak, which was allowing water to escape from the canal, was commenced immediately. Passage of boats through this section of the canal is not possible until the repair works are completed. It is therefore essential to complete the work as quickly as possible.
The siphon referred to was placed in the tunnel by a local landowner apparently without authorisation about 12 years ago. The Commissioners of Public Works have no objection to the removal of the siphon which serves no purpose in relation to the canal.
The Commissioners are not prepared to carry out the suggested lowering of a pipe as part of the repair work now under way as this would be very costly, would prolong the closure of the canal to an unacceptable extent and would be of no benefit to the canal. It is not at all clear that the suggested works would solve any drainage problems that exist in the area.
