Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 4

Written Answers. - Suicide Incidence.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

208 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will report on the numbers of deaths which have occurred in the section of the Royal Canal between Binns Bridge, Dublin 7, and Cross Guns Bridge, Dublin 7, in each of the past five years; if she will also provide details of the number of persons who were rescued from this section in each of those years; and the steps which she is taking to reduce these numbers. [3221/01]

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

Waterways Ireland, a North-South Implementation Body for inland waterways, was established on 2 December 1999 on foot of the British-Irish Agreement and the supplementary Implementation Bodies Agreement signed in March 1999. It has the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterways systems throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes.

Waterways Ireland has informed me that it has contacted the Garda Síochána in connection with a number deaths or rescues that have occurred on the Royal Canal between Binns Bridge and Cross Guns Bridge during the past five years. The Garda Síochána has confirmed that it is not in a position to provide accurate statistics in the matter.

With regard to safety measures, Waterways Ireland informs me that Dublin Corporation provides life buoys in the area. Waterways Ireland has installed safety chains in all the lock chambers in the Dublin area and these chains are regularly maintained. It points out that the canals are public open spaces which have been in existence for over 200 years and that it is incumbent on the public to take due care and attention close to water.