Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 572: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 592 of 17 June 2008 the reason Waterways Ireland are adopting this position, and no objection was lodged to a previous resurfacing of this roadway at the applicants own expense; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this roadway has been used by a local farmer, their father and grandfather on a daily basis for over 70 years, frequently 30 times a day, and they have no alternative access to their farm; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a person resident on this roadway; if Waterways Ireland will reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27511/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand from Waterways Ireland that it objected to the Local Improvement Scheme for the roadway in question, which is in its ownership, because it considered that a tarmacadam surface dressing would negatively impact on the rural and aesthetic quality of the canal and lead to increased vehicular traffic and to potential development; it did not object to a previous resurfacing of the roadway as these works reinstated the roadway to its original form, i.e. gravel, which is in keeping with the canal banks along the southerly length of this rural stretch of canal; it is aware that this roadway has been used for many years for agricultural access by a local farmer and his family; and the dwelling to which the Deputy refers is located within 20 metres of a public roadway, which, in the view of Waterways Ireland, means that there is no requirement for a tarmacadam surface dressing.

In general, Waterways Ireland seeks to maintain the existing rural characteristic of the canal banks with a gravel or grassed surface suitable for agricultural, fishing and other leisure purposes, but which is also sensitive to the aesthetic rural setting. It is satisfied that this policy is in the best interests of the canal environment in that part of its waterways network.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 573: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to the proposed Glasson Canal; the steps he will take, following the feasibility study and environmental impact statement, to progress same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27560/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Waterways Ireland informs me that, having met with relevant statutory bodies regarding the proposed canal in Glasson, further additional work has been undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. This includes additional ecological surveys, additional civil engineering design and associated revisions to the design plans for the project. When these assessments have been completed, the Environmental Impact Statement can be finalised. Waterways Ireland will then be in a position to make a submission to the planning authorities, which is anticipated to occur by the end of September 2008.