Tony Gregory
Ceist:138 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, the Office of Public Works has for the renewal of the Spenser Dock area of the Royal Canal, Dublin 1. [294/94]
Written Answers. - Spencer Dock Renewal.
When the Royal Canal was taken over by the Office of Public Works in 1986, CIE retained ownership of the canal bank at this location. Only the water channel was transferred and the Office of Public Works have no powers in relation to the adjoining lands which CIE retained. This effectively eliminates any scope for the Office of Public Works to carry out enhancement measures other than on the canal itself in the area.
In relation to the canal channel, all of the Spencer Dock has now been dredged of accumulated spoil and debris. Negotiations are well advanced with Irish Rail on the provision by the Office of Public Works of a lifting bridge for the railway at North Strand and it is hoped that work on this project will commence this winter. The installation of this bridge will restore boat access to the Royal Canal from Dublin Bay for the first time in nearly 40 years.