James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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317. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when will Government funding be provided to assist in the reopening of the old harbour at Market Square, Longford, in order to promote tourism in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26808/14]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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327. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if sources of funding will be available in the 2014-15 budget for the development of the Longford spur of the Royal Canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26932/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 327 together.

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are no proposals in its works programme for 2015 for the Longford Branch of the Royal Canal. However, Waterways Ireland is currently progressing the development of a Greenway along the tow path of the Longford Branch of the Royal Canal, in partnership with Longford County Council. I am advised this will secure the canal property for future years. Funding for this is provided in 2014. With regard to the possibility of re-opening the old harbour at Market Square Longford, I understand that this property was sold by CIE to Longford Urban District Council on 7 November 1956. Its future is a matter for its current owners and neither my Department nor Waterways Ireland have any function in that regard.