Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if moneys which were returned to his Department have been spent; if there is adequate funding available to ensure that the remainder of the works necessary to restore the Royal Canal to full navigability are available; when these works are likely to be finalised in order that the Royal Canal is navigable from Dublin to the Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27423/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The underspend to which the Deputy refers arose primarily due to the suspension of the institutions in Northern Ireland and the subsequent and related deferral of the building of the Waterways Ireland headquarters in Enniskillen, which is now due to commence in 2006.

In the event of an underspend under any heading, the money is either reallocated to other projects within the Vote or surrendered to the Exchequer. In the case of deferral, a further provision is re-entered in the Vote the following year.

I am satisfied that adequate capital funding is available to Waterways Ireland to restore the Royal Canal. Waterways Ireland has informed me that the completion of the Royal Canal project to restore navigation is a priority for the body. By the end of 2005, Waterways Ireland will have completed works on three bridges with works on the replacement of Longford Road bridge due to commence towards the end of this year. Works will commence on the remaining three bridges in 2006 and 2007, subject to agreement with the local authority and receipt of planning permission. Waterways Ireland expects the canal to be fully navigable in 2008.

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a feasibility study has been undertaken by his Department regarding the reopening of the Glasson Canal, adjacent to Glasson Village, Athlone, County Westmeath; the results of any such study; if it is proposed to take steps to promote the reopening of this stretch of canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27424/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Waterways Ireland has advised me that it has now completed its review of the options for extending a navigation channel from the River Shannon towards Glasson village, County Westmeath. The associated environmental report will be forwarded in the near future to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for its consideration. Waterways Ireland intends to proceed to the planning process if the proposal is acceptable to that Department.

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if contact will be made with Waterways Ireland with a view to having a footbridge which serves residents at a location (details supplied) in County Longford replaced. [27600/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Waterways Ireland, a North-South implementation body, has responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. The body has informed me that the footbridge in question consists of a number of timber pallets placed at a location on the bed of the Royal Canal, Longford branch. This timber crossing was constructed by a third party as a short cut across the canal since the canal was closed. I understand that Waterways Ireland has no plans to install a footbridge at this location.