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Funding of €12million has been allocated for Phase 2 to restore the Ulster Canal.
The announcement will see the restoration of the Ulster Canal between Clones and Clonfad.
Around €5.57 million has been approved under the Rural Regeneration Development fund, following on from the announcement of €6 million from the Government’s Shared Island Fund.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has also contributed to the cost of the project, which involves the construction of a new marina at Clones, alongside access bridges, an amenity area with parking and new towpaths and walking trails along the canal between Clones and Clonfad.
The Shared Island Fund has provided a further €1 million for Phase 3 of the project – Clonfad to Castle Saunderson – to undertake the feasibility and pre-construction work, which has now begun. This brings the total Government investment to over €13m.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD commented: "I am delighted to see the momentum building on Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal project. It has been a long-standing Government priority, with an important North-South dimension, and today's funding announcement will ensure that the pace of progress can be accelerated. This investment has the potential to vastly enhance the lives of people and communities along the border by creating a new amenity to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It will also breathe new life back into the area, by stimulating economic activity and opening up new tourism opportunities in the region. This is an exciting and much anticipated project, and today’s announcement is the next step in the process to realise the full potential of the Ulster Canal waterway."
Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon MLA said: "This is another step forward for this hugely exciting all island project which will not only benefit the local community but will also enhance opportunities for our economy right across our island. Over the last year we have really had our eyes opened to the potential on our doorsteps from our rich, natural and beautiful environment. I am delighted that this next phase in the Ulster Canal project is moving forward."
