Progress on the restoration of Ulster Canal has been welcomed by a Northern Ireland MEP.

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus recently visited the New Canal Bridge in Derrykerrib and Canal Stores in Clones, where he was briefed on the progress of the Ulster Canal restoration.

The Midlands North West MEP has since called for further investment in the project in order to realise its full potential for the Central Border Region, to realise the bigger vision of reopening the Canal to Lough Neagh.

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"The Ulster Canal not only has the potential to be a great resource for the communities it links, but also a fantastic attraction for visitors as we look for opportunities to promote and invest in sustainable tourism," said MEP MacManus. "It would bring huge spin-off benefits for local businesses, creating sustainable employment in the area for years to come.

"In the European Parliament I recently supported a report which underlined the significant potential in refurbishing connecting waterways and canals, especially in regions that have suffered from decades of insufficient investment in inland waterway infrastructure.

"The completion of the Ulster Canal project should be a priority now. Every avenue should be explored in securing the final funds to help accelerate the project. This border community, neglected by decades of insufficient investment deserves nothing less."