§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether funds are available from the EEC for the development of the Woodford Canal which links the Erne and Shannon waterways; and, 431W if so, if he will co-operate with the Government of Eire in the development of the canal in the interest of commerce and tourism north and south of the Border.
§ Mr. OrmeIt is assumed that the Question refers to the Ballinamore-Bally-connel Canal and the Woodford River. The total operation would cover about 37 miles, of which about one mile lies in Northern Ireland and six along the border. Some preliminary survey work has been carried out but any furtherance of this or actual development would depend very much on the security situation. The benefit would be almost entirely recreational and restricted to the holiday season; and the operation would be costly both initially and in subsequent maintenance. In these circumstances no application has been made for assistance under the European Regional Development Fund.