Sir, - I read with interest the proposal of the Heritage Council to revitalise the rural waterways in Ireland (The Irish Times, July 1st).
I am completely in agreement with the proposals, as such a network would provide valuable tourist-related business for small rural towns. I feel, however, that not enough emphasis is placed on the maintenance of existing canals and rivers.
Take the case of the Barrow Navigation that links the Grand Canal with the sea at New Ross. This system traverses some of the loveliest parts of the country and yet is almost impossible to use at certain times of the year. While the parts of the Barrow that flow through the towns are relatively well-kept, in the more remote areas one's way is impeded by vast stretches of impenetrable weeds. The sluices can be stiff and difficult to open, the locks have no safety ladders and sometimes contain dead animals, plastic bags and other debris.
The Office of Public Works has done a good job on the Shannon but some of the money used on cut-stone buildings containing elaborate showers and toilets might be better spent on the maintenance of some of our lesser waterways. - Yours, etc.,
J. J. Murphy, Bray, Co Wicklow.