Kelly welcomes major progress on Royal Canal

Longford Fianna Fail TD Peter Kelly has welcomed major progress in work on the Royal Canal that will result in its reopening.

“The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon Ó Cuiv has informed me that work on the Royal Canal is progressing very well.”

“The major bridge programme has been completed and the refurbishment works at Clondra are practically completed and the necessary dredging in Dublin is well under way.”

“There are outstanding issues to be resolved. The re-watered section of the Canal needs to be commissioned. An agreement needs to be finalised with Iarnrod Éireann on the operating management plan for the Newcomen Railway Bridge and water supply issues need to be finalised in partnership with Westmeath County Council.”

“The date on which the Royal Canal will reopen is dependent on the resolution of these issues but I am confident that all involved are enthusiastic about the positive effects that a fully operational Royal Canal will have.”

“The opening of the Royal Canal would have a real impact on tourism in the area and would be sure to create local employment opportunities over time.”

“The Royal Canal is a great natural resource and I look forward the work on it progressing quickly,” concluded Deputy Kelly.