AQW 16820/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 24/03/2021
Answered On Date: 02/04/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline restoration work currently being conducted by her Department on Northern Ireland waterways.

Answer:

Waterways Ireland, which my Department co-sponsors, is currently taking forward the restoration of the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Clones. Part of that stretch of the canal runs through Co. Fermanagh. The funding is provided by the Irish Government.

Waterways Ireland has commenced preliminary work in preparation for the rehabilitation of Carnroe Weir. It is planned that instream works will commence in spring 2022 with completion expected by autumn 2023.

My Department has a cyclical programme of inspections on designated watercourses. These inspections inform the maintenance activities of my operational teams and contractors. Works on open watercourses and the development of flood alleviation schemes also seek to utilise environmentally sensitive methods of working and have, on occasions, integrated with other projects to enhance bio diversity and the amenity value of the river corridor.