§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made on the Shannon navigation by Waterways Ireland; what is the total cost to date; and when it will be completed. [HL70l]
174WA
§ Lord Williams of MostynWaterways Ireland continues to develop the Shannon navigation on an ongoing basis as a multi-purpose amenity and recreation resource offering facilities for navigation and other activities for the benefit of the general public.
Three main capital projects, which had commenced prior to the establishment of Waterways Ireland, have since been completed on the Shannon navigation as follows: Limerick harbour; Boyle harbour; Ballinasloe harbour.
Work is currently in progress on the following capital projects: Ballyleague, County Roscommon: new harbour to be completed June 2004; Shannonbridge, County Offaly: 180 metres of moorings to be completed June 2003; Scarrif, County Clare: extension to existing quay to be completed June 2003.
Funding for capital projects on the Shannon navigation, which is provided by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2000–06, is 21.6 million euros.
Some 6 million euros will be expended by the end of 2002 and the balance is ear-marked for projects scheduled for development, subject to the usual planning and budgetary constraints, between 2003–06.