Alan M. Dukes
Ceist:22 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposal, if any, she has for the development of inland waterways; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19157/99]
Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.
One of the key aims of my Department is the development of the leisure, amenity and tourism potential of inland waterways. The programme of restoration and development of waterways under my control and funded through the EU Operational Programme for Tourism,1994-99 is coming to a close. Under that programme, £19.7 million will have been invested in the waterways is that period with projects ranging from continuing restoration and development of the Royal and Grand Canals and extension of navigation on the Shannon along with the provision of new and enlarged facilities along the river.
I hope to be able to at least maintain this level of activity in the years ahead. My Department is in the process of preparing a National Heritage Plan which will include the future of the waterways and I hope to publish this plan later next year. In addition, the National Development Plan which will include the financial resources that can be allocated for waterways development over the next seven years is being finalised and I will be in a position to outline the major projects to be undertaken during this period when the plan is agreed and published.
I must also mention, however, that the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999, passed earlier this year by both Houses of the Oireachtas but yet to be brought into force pending the setting up of the Northern Ireland Executive, provides for the establishment of Waterways Ireland, a North-South implementation body for inland waterways. Waterways Ireland will have the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway system throughout this island, principally for recreational purposes. When the body comes into being, I will have discussions with my counterpart in Northern Ireland regarding inland waterways and the programme to be pursued by Waterways Ireland and, of course, these discussions will be continuous in the context of the proposed North-South Ministerial Council.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:23 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the timescale for the expenditure of the funds allocated by the previous Government for work on the Eglinton Canal, Galway; if the previous dates given have been abandoned; the reason for any such development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19145/99]
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:45 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position in relation to the works on the Eglington Canal and Parkavera Lock for which money was allocated before she took office; if the timescale announced by the Minister for State will be met; and the date for the commencement and completion of the work. [18691/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 45 together.
I understand that the Lough Corrib Navigation Trustees who have responsibility for this waterway applied for planning permission for the works on 17 September last. On receipt of the permission and subject to any conditions attached to it being reasonable, arrangements will be made to have the works carried out as early as possible.