asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has had any negotiation with the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland for the connection of Lough Erne and the northern system of waterways with the River Shannon for the development of boating, cruisers and tourism in general.

The Ballinamore/ Ballyconnell Canal, which forms a link between the Erne and the Shannon systems, has not been navigable for nearly a century. The question of the restoration of the canal involves engineering, financial and legal problems. It is not clear whether restoration would be feasible or whether restoration would yield benefits commensurate with the capital and maintenance costs involved. The canal is at present the subject of an engineering study by the Office of Public Works and there have been consultations with the Northern Ireland authorities in connection with this survey. The next appropriate step would depend, of course, on the outcome of the survey.

Would the Minister be in a position to outline to the House the progress that has taken place in regard to the discussions with the representatives from the North of Ireland? Also would he agree that the canals at present are in a reasonable state and that the capital development expenditure would not be substantial?

I have not very much information in regard to the discussions to which the Deputy refers, but as to the cost, I am told it is likely to be very high. The question will arise as to how money such as this might be spent to best effect, whether it would be reasonable to spend the amount of money on this objective or whether it would be better spent elsewhere. However, as I say, I am waiting for the report of the survey before making any decision in the matter.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that the waterway he is talking about is known as the Woodford Canal in the area of Ballyconnell, County Cavan, and that if about £500,000, was spent, this would connect the river Erne and the river Shannon and would create one of the finest waterways in Europe? There is a very considerable demand for this. Furthermore, it is believed that if sufficient pressure was put on, an EEC grant could be availed of to do this cross-Border job which, as well as adding considerably to the economy of the area, would also be a very worth-while exercise in co-operation between the two parts of the country at this time?

My information is that the cost would be very high. I would agree that if it were possible to get an EEC grant that might put a different complexion on it.

Would the Minister not agree that the use of the Shannon could be expanded by bringing in this waterway and that the whole of this Northern Ireland system of waterways linked with the Shannon would provide one of the finest waterways in Europe and would have great potential for the development of the tourist industry throughout the length and breadth of Ireland?

As I said originally, my information is that the cost would be high, but I am waiting for the outcome of the survey before making up my mind in relation to it.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that during the term of office of the last Government pressure was being put on various bodies in an effort to get an EEC grant for this? Will the Minister give the House an undertaking that he will keep up this pressure in order to get what I would call a cross-Border EEC grant to do the job? I cannot think of a finer exercise in cross-Border co-operation than connecting the river Erne and the river Shannon.

I wish to give notice of my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

15.