Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 366: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position [i]vis-À-vis[/i] the joint British and Irish Governments intent regarding the proposed restoration and development of the Ulster Canal; the thrust of the feasibility report recently received; the outcome of his recent meeting with Northern Ireland Office Minister David Hanson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13222/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I met David Hanson MP, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, in Belfast on 6 March 2006. We welcomed the publication of the Socio-Economic Summary Report for the North East and South West Sections of the Ulster Canal and a feasibility study, Re-opening of the Ulster Canal, which Waterways Ireland had commissioned at our request. We noted the potential these reports give for the canal to be developed and for boosting its social and economic potential and we were pleased to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Blackwater Partnership to Waterways Ireland in the production of these reports. Minister Hanson and I, and our respective Departments, are considering the reports.

I have arranged for a copy of the joint statement that was issued following the meeting, as well as copies of the reports, to be forwarded to the Deputy.