Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I gather from a previous reply that capital funding in 2018 was €5.18 million directly from the Government in addition to Waterways Ireland's own funding. The Minister mentioned a figure for 2019 of €4 million. I do not know how an increase has come about. Was she referring to Waterways Ireland drawing down funding from other programmes? Could she clarify that?

Can she also confirm that the capital works that were promised regarding the provision of moorings at Castle Saunderson with the restoration of part of the Ulster Canal will be carried out this year? It is nearly 30 years since the Shannon-Erne Waterway was made navigable. These facilities have been used extensively and have attracted a significant number of tourists to the Fermanagh-Cavan-Leitrim area as well as counties Roscommon and Longford. There is a need to upgrade the facilities. Perhaps the Minister could indicate to the House whether particular programmes will benefit the Shannon-Erne waterway and ensure that it continues to be the major attraction it has been for most of the past 30 years.

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