Inland Waterways Maintenance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Ceisteanna (190)

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

190. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the towpath on the Royal Canal will be reopened from Jones Road to Drumcondra Road as it has been closed since July 2013; if he will confirm that Waterways Ireland has made contact with Bord Gáis Éireann about making the necessary arrangements for the gas main there; when this contact occurred; the meetings that have been held; if he will provide a schedule of the work that remains to be carried out and when it will be carried out, due to the importance of this route for leisure and commuting walkers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54891/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Waterways Ireland has informed me that it has included the repair to the collapsed wall on the 1st level of the Royal Canal at Portland Place in its business planning for 2014. I am also advised that Waterways Ireland Operations Engineers met with Bord Gáis Éireann at the time of the collapse and again on 16th August 2013. In addition, several phone conversations have taken place between staff of the two organisations to progress the design solution.

Waterways Ireland is finalising the tender documentation for issue early in 2014 and anticipates the towpath reopening in Summer 2014.