Work on the next phase of the Ulster Canal project is expected to be compete in mid-2023.
A total of €13 million has been allocated for the project, with another €5.6 million announced this morning.
The second phase will run from Clones to Clonfad on the Monaghan-Fermanagh border, along with a new marina at the Canal Stores in Clones.
Phase one from Castle Saunderson to the Erne navigation is already complete.
Delighted to work with An Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD to progress the Ulster Canal as a joint #SharedIsland & #OurRuralFuture project. This is a flagship cross-border peace & reconciliation project which will bring huge benefits to the border region. https://t.co/ooAeMMadV5
— Heather Humphreys (@HHumphreysFG) April 28, 2021
Another €1 million was also announced for engineering work on the third phase which would connect Castle Saunderson to Clonfad.
Speaking on The Wider View today, Waterways Ireland CEO John McDonagh said the organisation has not, as of yet, been tasked with planning any further development north of Clones, with a decision on any further works lying with the North-South Ministerial Council.
But he said he's confident phase two will be complete in two years:
Speaking on The Joe Finnegan Show this morning, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the canal will bring many benefits to the region:
The €5.57 million announced today is on top of the €6 million already allocated under the Government's Shared Island Fund last year.
Speaking to Northern Sound News, Minister Humphreys said she has championed the project since first elected to Monaghan County Council in 2003 and has pushed for progress since being appointed Minister.
She said she's delighted to announce the extra funding under the Rural Regeneration Scheme and said it will bring benefits to local communities:
