John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether the cleaning of the Grand Canal should take place all year; if his attention has been drawn to the success of clean-up programmes in Cardiff, Glasgow, Dubai and Singapore; his further views on introducing a similar programme along the Grand Canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8412/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Waterways Ireland informs me that the cleaning of the Grand Canal takes place all year round. These operational cleaning duties include weed control (cutting and spraying), grass cutting, hedge cutting towpath/bank maintenance and litter collection. The litter collection and grass cutting work is generally undertaken on a continuous basis with each section being attended to on a rotating basis.

I am satisfied that the canal is cleaned as regularly as possible having regard to current resources. However, I must point out that if people desisted from littering canal property it would reduce the cost of maintenance and free up resources for more productive purposes.

I have brought the Deputy's point in relation to the success of clean up programmes in the other jurisdictions to the attention of Waterways Ireland.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the tender documents prepared by Waterways Ireland for the contract for canal maintenance using a specialised collection vessel will be completed and advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8413/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that tender documentation for the procurement of services for canal maintenance using a specialised collection vessel is at present being prepared by Waterways Ireland, with a view, if possible, to seeking tenders later this year.