Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to develop(a) the Newry canal and (b) other waterways in Northern Ireland for recreational and tourist use; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe future development of the Newry canal for tourism and leisure use will be considered upon completion of the feasibility study which I understand is to be commissioned shortly by the four councils through whose area the canal flows. The Department of Agriculture, as the drainage authority for Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland tourist board will contribute to the cost of the study. The tourist board is prepared to consider reasoned proposals for the tourism and leisure development of Northern Ireland's heritage waterways where the investment of public funds will yield commensurate benefit to the local economy without damage to the environment.