Niall Blaney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on recent comments on restoring the Ulster Canal; the progress made to date on this project by Waterways Ireland; the benefits it will have for North-South development and co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42669/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that Waterways Ireland have produced a number of studies and reports in recent years on the possible restoration of the Ulster Canal. The latest reports were published in February 2006 and were welcomed by the then Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland, David Hanson, M.P., and myself at our meeting last March. We noted the potential these reports give for the canal to be developed and for boosting its social and economic potential.

Subsequently, further work has been carried out in relation to the restoration and re-opening of the stretch of the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Clones, including proposals put forward by our Government. In light of this and in line with the Taoiseach's recent announcement, my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure are now taking forward further work on these proposals.