The Government has officially announced the completion of Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration project in Clones, County Monaghan.

The canal is now restored and open for navigation between Clonfad and Clones, featuring a major canal basin marina and amenity area in Clones. This marks a significant milestone for this landmark cross-border restoration project.

This restoration offers communities across the rural border region a new recreational amenity and an important new tourism destination, creating opportunities for new businesses to open and existing ones to expand. The project safeguards a vital part of our historic waterways heritage in a managed, inclusive, and sustainable manner.

As a key priority for rural communities and businesses in Monaghan and surrounding areas for many years, the opening of the new phase will significantly boost connections between both communities and canal systems north and south.

Delivered by Waterways Ireland and funded by the Shared Island Fund, Department of Rural and Community Development and Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government the project costed more than €20 million. This significant investment supports the Government’s ambition to make rural Ireland a better place in which to live, work, visit and enjoy.

Marking the milestone, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "I am delighted to see delivery for Clones, County Monaghan of a landmark new marina and restored section of the Ulster Canal. This project embodies so clearly the benefits of North South cooperation and investment for County Monaghan, and across the entire border region. It is a project that symbolises peace and reconciliation on our island; One that will bring lasting benefits for generations to come.

"The restoration of the Ulster Canal demonstrates the huge focus that the Irish Government places on investing in large-scale, cross-border projects. Through the Shared Island Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage – over €20 million has been invested. I am very pleased to mark today’s occasion in the company of a number of colleagues from the two Governments.

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"I know that in particular my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has driven this project over many years. Today is a day of real celebration for all parties involved, but above all, for the community of Clones."

Tánaiste Micheál Martin also welcomed progress on the project, he added: "I established the Shared Island Initiative with the aim of fostering cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on our island. The Ulster Canal restoration project embodies what Shared Island is all about - communities working together for the betterment of the island for everyone who calls it home. The restoration of the Ulster Canal reconnects the region with its rich heritage, while also developing a modern tourism amenity for all to enjoy. It will greatly enhance the lives of communities and the economy along the border."

Minister Darragh O'Brien said:

"I am delighted to return to celebrate the completion of Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal less than two years after we last gathered here to mark the commencement of construction.

"This cross Government and cross border project has taken commitment, focus and hard work to complete and I commend Waterways Ireland, the Government Departments North and South and all of the team who have worked through all the challenges to take this Phase from a plan to a reality."

Minister Heather Humphreys commented: "This is a historical day for the people of Clones and indeed the wider border region as we officially open Phase Two of the Ulster Canal. The Ulster Canal has been talked about for 30 years and indeed many people never thought today would come.

"Phase 2 is a hugely exciting step forward – delivering a magnificent new marina and section of the canal here in Clones. This landmark project will vastly enhance the lives of the community 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.

"The restoration of the Ulster Canal has always been a priority of mine. As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I am delighted that my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has invested almost €6m in this project which is being jointly funding with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage."

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan added: "This project is a celebration of our island’s heritage. It has been approached in a respectful, sensitive and sustainable manner as is our responsibility in our protection of our navigations.

"It will create new opportunities and deepen connections between communities on both sides of the border. I have no doubt when the full Ulster Canal is restored it will endure as an outstretched hand of friendship between communities."

Minister for Infrastructure John O'Dowd MLA said: "I am delighted to be here to mark the completion of works on Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration. This project, like all infrastructure, underpins everything in our society, bringing communities together, north and south, providing opportunities for people young and old to explore our outdoor environment and experience something new.

"It also has the potential to be transformational for the region, bringing opportunities for businesses by creating a new visitor destination. I want to commend Waterways Ireland, the engineers, contractors and all those involved in bringing this complex project to life."

John McDonagh, CEO of Waterways Ireland, stated: "Waterways Ireland’s purpose is to be the custodian of the inland navigations and collaborate to reimagine, maintain, develop, and promote them to sustain communities, environment, and heritage.

"Waterways Ireland aims to build a brighter future where the Ulster Canal plays an inspirational role in the lives of the local community and offers exciting opportunities for local businesses. I would like to thank everyone who has helped us reach this happy juncture – in particular, the Waterways Ireland project team and contractor Jons Engineering."