By Alison Alderton
TAOISEACH (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris and Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, alongside Waterways Ireland (WI), have officially opened Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal redevelopment project following an investment of more than €20 million.
The redevelopment project was carried out by WI, the navigation authority for the inland navigable waterways, from August 2022 to June of this year, completing the restoration of the Ulster Canal from Clones in Co Monaghan to Clonfad in Co Monaghan.
Phase 2 of the project includes a new marina in Clones, 1km of restored canal, a 1.5km looped walk and an amenity area including parking, a service block, picnic area, performance space and bus/trailer spaces, on the route of the 180-year-old Ulster Canal.
The vision for Clones Marina, agreed following public consultation, is a marina that safely links the wider waterway and greenway network into the heart of Clones Town, providing a memorable and unique gateway to Co Monaghan and the border region: a place to engage with the water, landscape, ecology and the celebrated heritage of Clones. WI is collaborating with stakeholders on a Visitor Experience Plan for Clones Marina to fully utilise the new on-water and alongside-water amenities for the public good.
The investment saw the creation of 80 new construction jobs and will provide a boost to the local tourism and recreation sector.
The Ulster Canal Redevelopment Phase 2 is an investment under the Programme for Government supported through the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Shared Island Fund.
Commenting on the opening of the latest phase, WI CEO John McDonagh stated: “Waterways Ireland’s purpose is to be the custodian of the inland navigations and collaborate to reimagine, maintain, develop and promote them to sustain communities, environment and heritage.
“Through the Ulster Canal restoration, we aim to build a brighter future where the waterway plays an inspirational role in the lives of the local community and offers exciting opportunities for local businesses. I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has helped us reach this happy juncture – in particular, I would like to thank the WI project team and contractor Jons Engineering for their commitment, energy and support in delivering this impressive project in 22 months.
“We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that the next phase of the restoration of the Ulster Canal, between Clonfad and Castle Saunderson, is completed to enable accessibility from Clones to the Erne system and onwards to the wider waterways network across the island of Ireland.”
Phase 1 of the project enabled travel by boat from Lough Erne to a new boating destination at Castle Saunderson in County Cavan.
Once completed, Phase 3 will connect the 10km between Clonfad and Castle Saunderson, linking Clones marina to the Erne system and onwards to the wider waterways network.
