Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal restoration
The Office of Public Works was surveying the canal’s feasibility, including land benefits, border sections, and the stability of clay and channels through lakes, in cooperation with Northern Ireland authorities. The Minister could not provide survey dates or explain the project’s connection to linking the Erne and Shannon, and said a hydrological study was the next major step.
asked the Minister for Finance the present position in regard to the drainage and restoration of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell canal under the EEC proposals for the Erne catchment area.
Comment on this
The Commissioners of Public Works are continuing with the technical investigations necessary to assess the feasibility of restoring the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell canal.
Comment on this
Could the Minister tell us how much work has been carried out this year and how much money has been spent?
Comment on this
A field survey on portion of the canal within the Twenty-six Counties has been completed. The Border area stretches remain to be surveyed. Isometric data is being collected on a continuing basis and the amount of land which will benefit has been ascertained and surveyed.
Comment on this
Could the Minister tell us how much land will be waterlogged as a result of this scheme? Could he tell us what efforts his office is making with regard to the authorities in Northern Ireland in connection with examining the northern section of the canal? This project has been laid down as a priority programme for cross-Border development by the EEC.
Comment on this
When the surveys and so forth have been brought up to date progress will be made. This has to be done in co-operation with the Northern Ireland authorities. I believe that co-operation will be forthcoming. A specialist consultant has been appointed and has commenced work on an investigation into the stability of the types of clay along the waterway and the feasability of dreding and maintaining channels through a number of lakes.
Comment on this
Would the Minister like to say when the consultant was appointed, when the survey was started and what connection has this with the projected linking of the Erne with the Shannon?
Comment on this
I have not got that information in my brief. If the Deputy puts down a question I will get the information for him. The survey is taking place and the next major step will be a hydrological study of the problem. It is not possible to say at this stage when that will finish.
