Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the Royal Canal will be made fully navigable from Islandbridge through to the Shannon; the amount that has been provided by his Department to allow the remaining section of the canal to the Shannon to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37410/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that in July 2008 Waterways Ireland let the contract for the replacement of Lyneen Bridge, the last of the 9 bridges required to facilitate the reopening of the Royal Canal. Completion of Lyneen Bridge is scheduled for early 2009, followed by commissioning of the entire length of restored canal. It is anticipated that the formal opening of the Royal Canal may take place at the start of the new boating season in 2010. It is estimated that some €3.8 million will be spent in 2009 under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 from funding provided through my Department's Vote to complete the remaining works on the Royal Canal.