Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Acting Chairman, Deputy Durkan, probably has an interest in the Royal Canal as well. Has any work been done in respect of design for a proper footpath in the area called the deep cutting, which runs from Castleknock and Blanchardstown up to Clonsilla? It is a very deep and dangerous section of the canal. The Department has been considering this in conjunction with Waterways Ireland for many years. It is in an area with a population of over 100,000. It is a very important amenity for the area. Until recently, the Taoiseach was a frequent jogger along the path. This cutting is so deep and the footpath so high and narrow that it is very difficult for more than two or three people to walk abreast. It is quite a difficulty. Somebody using a wheelchair would probably find this section of the canal, which is lengthy enough, extremely difficult to go along. Has the Minster made any progress in this regard?

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