Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My understanding is that it is called the deep sinking but I will bow to the Deputy's knowledge of the area. It is part of the Royal Canal between Castleknock and Clonsilla, starting just after the 12th lock and continuing for about 4 km west of Clonsilla station. It is very narrow in places, making it difficult for boats to pass each other. At its deepest, the towpath is carried some 9 m above the water and in places it is only 1 m wide or less, making it difficult to develop. Waterways Ireland along with Fingal County Council and the National Transport Authority is exploring design options to integrate the development of the towpath along the deep sinking into the overall development of a multi-use trackway as part of the Royal Canal greenway, the national cycling network route from Dublin to Galway. Waterways Ireland is also carrying out work on the Royal Canal towpath in conjunction with local authorities. The overall funding for this work will not come from the Waterways Ireland budget but from other agencies such as the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Waterways Ireland initially funds the work and then recoups the majority of the cost from the various agencies. At this point in the year, it is anticipated that the net spend by Waterways Ireland following this recoupment will be negligible.

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