Calls to regenerate the Ulster Canal have been backed by senior Stormont representatives.

Rural Affairs Minister Michelle Gildernew, Environment Minister Edwin Poots and DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson all gave their support to plans by Blackwater Regional Partnership to restore the waterway to its former glory.

The Ulster Canal runs through parts of Counties Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, and Co Monaghan in the Republic.

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The Blackwater Regional Partnership believe the Ulster Canal restoration is an iconic project that has the potential to provide direct benefits through employment during construction, and the resulting increased tourism and private investment.

At a recent meeting, delegates heard the potential opportunities posed by the works.

Philip McDonagh, of PriceWaterhouseCooper, who completed a socio-economic study on the Ulster Canal said lessons could be learned from similar restoration projects.

Waterways Ireland and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaelacht Affairs provided a brief overview of work completed to date and the timescale set for the completion of the work to complete the Upper Lough Erne to Clones stretch of the canal.

(PR/KMcA)