A Local Senator has welcomed funding that will further the Ulster Canal project.
Funding of €30 million has been announced for the Ulster Canal restoration project, by the Taoiseach earlier today.
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.
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
Monaghan Senator, Robbie Gallagher is "delighted" with the news.
He said: "This is a hugely significant investment for Monaghan, Cavan and the wider Border region.
"The Ulster Canal Project has the potential to become one of the most significant tourism and recreation assets in the Border region, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and connecting communities through a unique waterway and greenway network."
"This funding commitment will help deliver the next major phase of restoration between Clonfad and Castle Saunderson, bringing us closer to reconnecting Clones with the Erne System and the Shannon-Erne Waterway.
"The development of a new 9km greenway from Clones to Gortnacarrow is very welcome. It will provide an excellent amenity for local families, walkers and cyclists while further strengthening the tourism offering in the region.
"The Shared Island Initiative continues to fund projects that make a real difference on the ground, strengthening connections between communities while supporting economic development, tourism and investment across the island."
"The Ulster Canal is one of the strongest examples of that approach in action, combining tourism, recreation, heritage and regional development in a project that will benefit generations to come."
