44 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the fishing potential of many of our inland rivers and waterways is marred and restricted due to the absence of funding for channel clearance and bank improvement, as exemplified by the Arigna River in County Roscommon; and if he will seek EC structural funds for disbursement by the Regional Fisheries Boards on these improvement and development works.

I am aware that the development needs of our inland rivers and waterways far exceed available funding. With this in mind a national programme to source EC Structural Funding has been prepared by my Department in consultation with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards and submitted for inclusion in Ireland's National Development Plan in respect of the period 1994-1999. Development proposals in respect of the Arigna River, County Roscommon, will be considered for funding in this context.

I am satisfied that this programme of investment will contribute greatly to the enhancement of the resource, the promotion of economic activity and the creation of long term sustainable employment.