Funding of €30 million has been announced for the Ulster Canal restoration project.
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin made the announcement this afternoon.
The contribution will come from the Shared Island Fund, and will go towards the delivery of Phase 3 of the project.
Works on the mutli-million euro project will commence next year and is set to be completed by 2029.
Minister of State, Niamh Smyth said the investment represents a major milestone for Clones, for the Border region, and for cross border cooperation on our island.
The new funding package will support the completion of a 10km navigable canal section linking Clones to the Erne System and the Shannon-Erne Waterway, fulfilling a key commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement.
Phase 3 will deliver a 10km of new and refurbished navigable canal from Clonfad to Castle Saunderson, a new 9km Ulster Canal Greenway from Clones to Gortnacarrow.
The plans will also deliver a designated Pollinator Corridor as part of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, supported by Waterways Ireland and strengthened cross border tourism and blueway network linking communities north and south
Minister of State Smyth said this is transformational news for Clones and for the wider region.
She said: “This is transformational news for Clones and for the wider region. The Ulster Canal is one of the most significant cross‑border regeneration projects on the island of Ireland. Today’s announcement ensures that Phase 3 — the major blueway stage — will now be delivered in full.
"It will reconnect Clones to the wider inland waterways network for the first time in generations, opening new opportunities for tourism, recreation, biodiversity and economic development.
"People in Clones have waited a long time for this moment. Their belief in the Ulster Canal has never wavered. Today’s announcement is a testament to their perseverance and to the power of partnership across our island," Minister of State Smyth added.
Local TD, Brendan Smith has also welcomed the news.
He said that the canal will benefit Clones economically.
"With the drive into Clones, you see the people using the walking route - you see the great benefits for the local community.
"It is also a popular attraction to bring people to the area, the more visitors we can entice to the area, the more jobs that can be created," he added.
