Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received the report carried out by PriceWaterhouse Coopers in association with Tourism Developments Investments regarding the Blackwater Regional Partnership Ulster Canal socio economic study; his views on whether this report provides total justification for the restoration of the Ulster Canal; when this report will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17496/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Blackwater Regional Partnership has made a copy of the report in question available to me but the Deputy will appreciate that the wider publication of the report is a matter for the Partnership itself.

As the Deputy will be aware, I met Mr David Hanson, MP, the then Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, on 6 March 2006 to discuss, amongst other issues, the possible restoration of the Ulster Canal. At the meeting we welcomed the publication of a "Socio Economic Summary Report for the North East and South West Sections of the Ulster Canal" and a feasibility study into the "Reopening of the Ulster Canal" which Waterways Ireland had commissioned at our request. We noted the potential that these reports give for the Canal to be developed and for boosting its social and economic potential. The reports are being considered by our respective Departments at present.