Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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202. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied) regarding an aqueduct; if the necessary works will be prioritised in view of the fact that it is a protected structure; if she has had engagement with the Office of Public Works on the matters raised in the correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19206/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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My office or my Department have no record of having received such correspondence.

I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that it is working with Kildare County Council to expedite repairs to the parapet wall of the structure in question. It was recently struck by a vehicle and badly damaged for the second time this year, resulting in the Council's decision to close the road for the safety of road users.

Waterways Ireland has informed me that it is prioritising the repair works at the request of the Council, in order to allow re-opening of the road. Works will be done sympathetically with due regard to the heritage nature of the structure.

Works to the road itself are the responsibility of Kildare County Council as the relevant road authority.

Waterways Ireland has also informed me that it is in consultation with Kildare County Council in regard to any changes to be undertaken as part of the wall repair works.

It has been identified that some road re-alignment is required, which will require temporary closure of the Grand Canal, and Waterways Ireland is incorporating this into the repair works.

As the Office of Public Works do not have a role in the repair works it has not been consulted.