A planning application for the Ulster Canal Greenway from Smithborough to Monaghan town could be submitted before the end of the year.
Last month, after pandemic related delays, a preferred route option for the section of greenway was published.
The route mainly follows the path of the original canal and the N54 road to join up with the existing Monaghan town section at Gortakeegan.
A spokesperson for Monaghan County Council says a Part 8 planning permission application is expected to be published either before the end of 2021, or early into next year.
Following that, the local authority will acquire the selected lands, with construction then to begin, subject to funding.
There's currently no timeline for when the Smithborough to Monaghan section would begin construction or when it's expected to be completed.
