The Royal Canal from Blanchardstown to Mullingar is open for the first time in 35 years.
The Royal Canal was constructed two hundred years ago but has been virtually closed since 1955. The Office of Public Works now plans to have the section from Blanchardstown to Dublin City opened by next summer. Extensive restoration work on both the Grand and Royal Canals has been undertaken and it is expected that the £3.5 million investment will result in a boom for tourism.
The 46 mile Blanchardstown to Mullingar section of the waterway was officially opened by Minister for Public Works Brendan Daly who spoke about the ambitious plans for Ireland's waterways and the tourism potential when all the planned works are completed.
It’s the first time a boat has gone through here since 1955.
New legislation is also being passed through the Dáil to bring all legalities about the waterways up to date.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 May 1990. The reporter is Kevin McDonald.
