Vol. 448 No. 6
89 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will conduct a corridor study on the Royal Canal similar to that carried out on the Grand Canal; if the study will be commissioned during 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2475/95]
I am delighted to advise the Deputy that I do indeed intend to commission a corridor study on the Royal Canal similar to that carried out on the Grand Canal.
The extent of the corridor to be studied will be from the Sea Lock at Spencer Dock to Allen Bridge (Spin Bridge) Kilcock. My Department is at present engaged in the examination of tenders for the study and I would hope to commission it shortly.
The broad aim of the study will be to identify a physical planning framework for this section of the Royal Canal which will bring together existing environmental, social, tourist, amenity and leisure, commercial and economic elements in a co-ordinated and integrated manner, which will identify opportunities for development including job creation, in each of those areas, and which will lead to a strategy for a revitalisation of both the canal and the canalside involving State, public and private bodies and individuals and local communities.
