Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 5

Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

128 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, she is taking to ensure that further funding is secured in order that necessary works on the Royal Canal from Ballynacarrigy, County Westmeath to Clondra, County Longford to restore it to full navigability will take place without delay; if she has prepared an estimate for the amount required to finalise the works necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14651/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The next round of EU funding under the European Regional Development Fund allocation will not be finalised until next year. The Deputy may be assured that I will be submitting a programme of works to include funding for the completion of the Royal Canal restoration to full navigability.

The restoration programme for the completion of the Royal Canal includes,inter alia, the replacement of six road bridges between Abbeyshrule and Clondra. I have commissioned consulting engineering firms to design these new road bridges. However, a detailed estimate of cost required to finalise the works must await completion of the bridge designs.