Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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137. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of silt clearing projects along the Royal Canal; the way in which water depths are managed and maintained; if seasonal cutting of trees and bushes is undertaken along the route; if there is an ongoing project regarding the maintenance and repair of lock gates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48263/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by Waterways Ireland that a silt clearing (dredging) project is currently ongoing along the Royal Canal from Kilmore Bridge to Moyvalley Bridge with completion anticipated by end 2018.  Dredging  work from Darcys Bridge towards Ballasport Bridge is proposed for late 2018.  Other dredging works will be carried out as required.

Water depths are managed by waterway patrolling staff and maintained by lockgates and overflows etc.  I am informed that the water supply on the Royal Canal leads to low water levels and that seasonal cutting is undertaken on the route of the royal Canal.   Waterways Ireland has an ongoing annual programme for upgrade and maintenance and repair of lock gates and lock gate replacement as resources permit.