Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 26 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 6

Written Answers. - Erne Navigation.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

43 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when funding will be allocated for the proposed extension of the Erne Navigation southwards from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra, County Cavan; if the environmental impact assessment study has commenced; when detailed design of the scheme will commence; if he will ensure that this project proceeds as quickly as possible in view of the substantial economic and tourist benefits that this development would bring to the region on both sides of the Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15458/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The current tranche of EU Structural and INTERREG funding for the development of inland waterways does not include provision for the Erne and Lough Oughter navigations. In the circumstances I am not in a position to indicate when the necessary surveys, including an environmental impact assessment, and design are likely to be completed and works put in hands.