asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether a final decision has been reached in regard to the Grand Canal; and, if so, if he will state its nature.

A final decision has not yet been reached about the long-term future of the Grand Canal.

I would remind the Deputy, however, that the statutory position is that CIE may not close the canal to navigation until the expiration of three years from the date on which it was last used for public navigation. As the canal continues to be used for pleasure boating, it cannot be closed to navigation in the absence of amending legislation for that purpose.