The Ulster Canal, once re-opened, will represent a permanent symbol of peace and reconciliation on our island, the Minister for Rural Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said yesterday as she announced that design work will begin on the second part of the flagship project to restore the derelict canal between Clones and Clonfad, on the border with Co. Fermanagh. The plan includes the development of a basin marina and tourist amenities in Clones near the Ulster Canal Stores.
A total of €12.5 million is being provided by government, with €5.57 million coming from the Department of Rural and Community Development. An additional €6 million was announced last December through the Taoiseach’s Shared Island Unit. This unit’s budget has also allocated €1 million to undertake feasibility and pre-construction works on a third phase that would link the other two sections of the canal and eventually enable access by pleasure crafts from Lough Erne as far as Clones. At the moment there are no plans to restore the canal as a waterway from Clones through Monaghan to Co. Armagh and Lough….
Photo Rory Geary
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