Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with Waterways Ireland in relation to extensions to or refurbishment of the canals within its remit; the cost of such works; the timescale involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40911/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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There is a provision of €75m for the capital development programme on the waterways under the NDP for the period 2007-2013. I and officials of my Department have regular discussions and consultations with the Body in relation to the scope and progress of the programme.

The works that Waterways Ireland would propose to undertake are set out in its capital programme, which was published last March. In summary, the Programme includes:

completion of existing projects commenced under the NDP 2000-2006, including the completion of the Royal Canal and extension of the Shannon Navigation towards Dowra and Glasson (as the Deputy will be aware, approval has also been granted by the North/South Ministerial Council to Waterways Ireland to proceed with the restoration of the stretch of Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones, to be financed from Waterways Ireland own resources);

provision of the necessary office buildings, depots, stores, plant and machinery;

consolidation of the existing navigations by improving access to and facilities and infrastructure on, and adjacent to, these navigations; and

feasibility studies and preliminary designs to assess the opportunities for extension of navigation to additional destinations linked to the waterways system.

Clearly, it will be necessary to keep the proposed programme under review in light of changing circumstances and the ongoing economic situation and it will continue to be subject of ongoing discussion with the Body.