Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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192. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the restoration of the Ulster Canal; the timeframe for the provision of a jetty by Waterways Ireland at Castle Saunderson, County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31330/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The reopening of the 2.5km stretch of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to the International Scout Centre at Castle Saunderson continues to progress. The project, which comprises three work phases, is being undertaken by Waterways Ireland. Phase 1, the site investigation work, and Phase 2, the dredging of the River Finn and removal of the dredging material, have been completed.

Waterways Ireland has informed me that it is currently completing the tender documentation for the final stage of works to provide navigation to Castle Saunderson. Subject to a successful tender and award process, it is proposed that works would start on site in Spring 2017 with an anticipated 18 month contract period.

I am also advised by Waterways Ireland that it continues to engage with Cavan County Council, which owns the property at Castle Saunderson, regarding the provision of a jetty at that location.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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193. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when Waterways Ireland will carry out improvement works on the embankments of the river Blackwater in Clonlara, County Clare, between Mount Catherine bridge and the diversion point facilitating the Plassy/Errina Canal, to prevent a reoccurrence of the flooding experienced in this area in 2015. [31335/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Waterways Ireland that the area referred to by the Deputy is some 710 metres in length but that the organisation’s jurisdiction extends only to some 350 metres upstream of the Blackwater/Canal diversion point. Waterways Ireland undertook repair works to the embankments along that 350 metre stretch in 2013. I am informed that Waterways Ireland is currently working on a separate stretch downstream of the diversion point towards Gilloge Bridge. However, it is not in a position to carry out works outside of its jurisdictional area to Mount Catherine Bridge.

I am also advised that the jurisdictional area has been raised and clarified by Waterways Ireland with the local authority and the Office of Public Works, and that a meeting is taking place on site to further discuss the matter with the local authority this coming Friday (21 October 2016).