Inland Waterways.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2004

Tuesday, 10 February 2004

Ceisteanna (383)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

459 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to plans to upgrade, refurbish and utilise the Grand Canal from Harold's Cross Bridge, Dublin, to Cherry Orchard, Dublin, for the benefit of the public; the details of the plan; when they will be acted on; the costs involved; and if such plans exist, if they include the erection of facilities which will allow for the public to enjoy the recreational leisure and sports opportunities of this valuable though neglected asset of the State. [3983/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

The issue raised by the Deputy about plans to upgrade, refurbish and utilise the Grand Canal from Harold's Cross Bridge, Dublin, to Cherry Orchard, Dublin, is the day-to-day responsibility of Waterways Ireland, a North-South implementation body for inland waterways, set up under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999.

Waterways Ireland informs me that in partnership with Dublin City Council it has carried out pilot projects on the Grand Canal at Charlemont Street to Harold's Cross Bridge and on the Royal Canal at Charleville Mall and Binn's Bridge to Cross Guns Bridge. These projects included works to enhance the towpaths and the instillation of ancillary infrastructure. Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council have been examining the possibility of carrying out rejuvenation projects on other sections of the Royal and Grand Canals, including the stretches of canal mentioned by the Deputy west of Harold's Cross Bridge. A final decision has not been taken yet.