Ireland’s Rural Development Minister has called on Northern Ireland leaders to consider investment in restoring the full length of the Ulster Canal.

Speaking at the site of a new marina in Clones, part of the second phase of Irish Government-funded works on the cross-border waterway, Heather Humphreys told BBC News that rural communities would benefit from the extension of the project across Armagh and Tyrone to Lough Neagh.

“My ambition is that we can move on and forge ahead and get the whole way to the border and then work its way up to Lough Neagh and then up to the Lagan in due course,” she said. “This is transformative for communities here.”

This past August, Taoiseach Micheál Martin laid the foundation stone in Clones to mark the start of works on Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration project.

When completed, the 17km link between Lough Erne in Fermanagh and Clones in Co Monaghan will be fully reopened to recreation for the first time since its closure to commercial traffic more than 90 years ago.

BBC News has more on the story HERE.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to lay the foundation stone this morning (Tuesday 30 August) to mark the start of Phase 2 works on the Ulster Canal restoration project.

The Taoiseach will be joined at Ulster Canal Stores in Clones, Co Monaghan by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.

Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan and Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd are also due to attend the event which marks the latest stage in restoring the 180-year-canal.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration involves expenditure of €20 million in developing a new marina and two new access bridges along with repairs to an existing masonry arch bridge and a sustainable water supply.

It is due to involve work on about a kilometre of canal and towpath, with a looped walk and an amenity area on the canal route.

The amenity area will include car parking, bus and trailer spaces, a service block and picnic, and will be connected to the town and existing playground.

This phase is expected to be completed next year, according to Waterways Ireland, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways.

Work on the Ulster Canal began in 1841 and it was open to commercial traffic within the year.

The navigation combining river and canal was about 93km long, taking a route through counties Fermanagh, Cavan, Monaghan, Tyrone and Armagh.

The last trading boat used the canal in 1929, and it officially closed in 1931.
 
In 2020 the first phase of the Ulster Canal’s restoration was completed, with around 2.5km of new river navigation along the Finn between Quivvy Lough and Castle Saunderson.

It involved dredging the River Finn, constructing of a new lateral canal and navigation arch at Derrykerrib bridge and installing a new floating jetty at Castle Saunderson.

The contract for this second phase was signed in late July of this year by Waterways Ireland chief executive John McDonagh and Jons Civil Engineering Company managing director John Pentony at an event attended by ministers O’Brien and Humphreys.

The investment of €20 million in funding under the Programme for Government for this phase is supported by €8 million from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, €6 million from the Shared Island Fund and €6 million from the Department of Rural and Community Development, according to Waterways Ireland.

Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration has been officially initiated with a contract signing in Clones, Co Monaghan this morning (Monday 25 July).

The contract was signed by Waterways Ireland chief executive John McDonagh and John Pentony, managing director of Jons Civil Engineering Company Ltd in the presence of Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
 
The project, which is due to go on site in August 2022, will involve the development of a new marina, two new access bridges, repairs to an existing masonry arch bridge and a sustainable water supply.

It will also include approximately 1km of restored canal and towpath, with a looped walk and an amenity area on the route of the 180-year-old Ulster Canal in Clones.

The amenity area will include car parking, bus/trailer spaces, a service block and picnic area and will be connected to the town and the existing playground. This phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2023. 
 
The Ulster Canal Redevelopment Phase 2 is a substantial investment of €20m in funding under the Programme for Government. It is supported by €8m in funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, €6m in funding from the Shared Island Fund and €6m in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Works will be undertaken by Jons Civil Engineering Company Ltd. The project will be managed by Waterways Ireland and implemented by Doran Consulting.
 
Minister O’Brien said: “This new amenity — between Clones and Clonfad — will further showcase our waterways heritage and its value to the island. The redeveloped canal is sure to be a welcome draw for locals and visitors alike, enhancing the local area and providing economic opportunity.”
 
Minister Heather Humphreys said: “As somebody who lives only a few miles out the road, I am absolutely delighted that the contracts have been signed today on the long-awaited restoration of the Ulster Canal in Clones.

“The Ulster Canal is a flagship cross-border project and I am delighted to support the development of this unique amenity with almost €6million in funding from my Department. The Ulster Canal will bring huge tourism and economic benefits not just to Clones and Co Monaghan but to the entire Border region.”
 
McDonagh also welcomed the development: “The Ulster Canal is a major link in our waterway network. Phase 2 will see substantial restoration of the canal basin near the historic Canal Stores in Clones and will provide a water-based recreational amenity area there. The Ulster Canal Greenway is also in development and will, in time, complement the canal restoration project.”
 
Work on the Ulster Canal began in 1841 and within the year it was open to commercial traffic. The navigation combining river and canal was circa 93km long, passing through Fermanagh, Cavan, Monaghan, Tyrone, and Armagh. The last trading boat using the canal was in 1929 and it officially closed in 1931.
 
Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2020. It includes some 2.5km of new river navigation along the River Finn between Quivvy Lough and Castle Saunderson. The work programme involved the dredging of the River Finn, construction of a new lateral canal and navigation arch at Derrykerrib bridge and the installation of a new floating jetty at Castle Saunderson.

The Irish Independent (subscription required) reports that the Ulster Canal Greenway project has been put on pause due to rising costs.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Phase 2 project was launched in September 2017 to much fanfare — with EU funding contributing to the €4.95 million secured for the route between Smithborough in Co Monaghan and Middletown in Co Armagh.

However, four years on and no ground has been broken on the scheme due to a significant rise in the estimated costs associated with the walking and cycle way.

The greenway is intended to complement the Ulster Canal which is the subject of a multimillion euro restoration project. Last year significant funding from the Shared Island Fund was released to support the implementation of Phase 2 of that project.

Meanwhile, a public consultation on Phase 3 of the greenway from Smithborough to Clones has been launched.

A public drop-in session was held last Tuesday 26 October at Smithborough Community Hall and the next will take place this Wednesday 3 November at Clones Courthouse from 5pm-8pm. For more see the consultation brochure HERE.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, has announced in conjunction with Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, €6 million of funding for Waterways Ireland to enable the completion of phase two of the restoration of the Ulster Canal.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said "I am delighted to see the momentum building on Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal project. It has been a long-standing Government priority, with an important North-South dimension, and today's funding announcement will ensure that the pace of progress can be accelerated. This investment has the potential to vastly enhance the lives of people and communities along the border by creating a new amenity to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It will also breathe new life back into the area, by stimulating economic activity and opening up new tourism opportunities in the region."

In 2007 following a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council the Ulster Canal Restoration project was added to Waterways Ireland remit. The organisation is tasked with restoring the section from Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh to Clones in Co Monaghan. This is a stretch of approx. 13.5 kilometres. The restoration is being delivered in three phases due to planning and availability of capital.

Phase two of the Ulster Canal restoration focuses on the restoration of the canal between Clones and Clonfad in County Monaghan, including a canal basin marina and amenity area in Clones. In November 2020 Waterways Ireland submitted an application for the €12m funding for Phase 2 from the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund. In December 2020 the Shared Island team within the Department of the Taoiseach announced it would contribute €6m of the €12m.

Announcing the balance of the funding together with the Taoiseach, Minister Heather Humphreys T.D. said "I'm really pleased to join with An Taoiseach today for what is an historic announcement for communities North and South. My Department of Rural and Community Development is to provide over €5.57m in funding for Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration. Already supported by the Shared Island Fund to the sum of 6 million euro, today's announcement will allow Waterways Ireland to proceed with Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration from Clones to Clonfad.

"The Ulster Canal is a unique, flagship cross border project which will bring huge economic benefits to the region. But it will do so much more than that. The Ulster Canal, once re-opened, will represent a permanent symbol of peace and reconciliation on our island – demonstrating the benefits of bringing our communities together.

"Waterways Ireland, who will deliver this project, were one of six North/South bodies established under the Good Friday agreement.

"23 years on from the signing of that historic agreement, today's announcement demonstrates the absolute commitment of the Irish Government to strengthening and protecting the hard won peace on our island."

John McDonagh, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland welcomed the Taoiseach's statement and that of Minister Humphreys saying "The Ulster Canal is a major link in our waterway network that will see restoration of the canal basin near the historic Canal Stores in Clones and provide a water-based recreational amenity area. This is a wonderful development for the border region and particularly the town of Clones. Securing all of the €12m means we have certainty and can now deliver this section of the project substantially by mid-2023."

Phase 1 was completed in 2019 and is open to the public. It included c.2.5 kilometres of new river navigation along the River Finn between Quivvy Lough and Castle Saunderson. The work programme involved the dredging of the River Finn, construction of a new lateral canal and navigation arch at Derrykerrib bridge and the installation of new floating jetty at Castle Saunderson. This element of the project cost €3m.
The Phase 2 work programme will include a sustainable water source, a new 40 berth marina, 2 new access bridges, repairs to an existing masonry arch bridge, c.1km of restored canal and towpath with a looped walk and an amenity area. The amenity area will have 40 car parking spaces, 8 bus/trailer spaces, a service block and picnic area and will be connected to the town and the existing playground.

Work on the Ulster Canal began 180 years ago (1841) and within the year it was open to commercial traffic. The navigation combining river and canal was circa 93km long, passing through Counties Fermanagh, Cavan, Monaghan, Tyrone and Armagh. The last trading boat using the canal was in 1929 and it officially closed in 1931.

Waterways Ireland has welcomed the significant funding announcement today by Minister Daragh O'Brien TD and Minister of State Noonan TD from the #Shared Island Fund to support the implementation of Phase 2 of the work on the Ulster Canal.

Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal focuses on the restoration of the canal between Clones and Clonfad in County Monaghan, including a canal basin marina and amenity area in Clones.

Acting Chief Executive John Mc Donagh said " Waterways Ireland is well advanced in our preparations to enable us to mobilise this project on the Ulster Canal. The Ulster Canal is a significant link in our waterway network and will be complemented by the Ulster Canal Greenway when it is completed."

In 2007 Waterways Ireland was tasked with exploring the potential restoration of a 13.5 kilometres section of the cross border canal between Upper Lough Erne and Clones. Studies were carried out and designs prepared for planning submissions to Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council, Clones Town Council and the Department of Environment (NI) in 2011.

Planning permission was granted in 2013 and subsequently extended, where applicable. The restoration is being delivered in phases that are detailed below.

Phase 1 of the restoration work was completed in 2019. This included dredging works to the River Finn, construction of a new lateral canal and navigation arch at Derrykerrib Bridge and the installation of a new mooring facility at Castlesaunderson. Thereby creating c. 2.5km of new navigation to a new boating destination at the Cavan County Council owned Castle Saunderson estate where the International Scouting Centre has been developed.

Phase 2 of the restoration work is ongoing subject to securing required funding. Waterways Ireland was successful in 2019 in securing €325,000 of Category 2 funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for additional engineering studies for a section of the restoration between Clones and Clonfad in County Monaghan. During 2020 Waterways Ireland has utilised this investment to carry out preliminary engineering studies and tourism recreation studies to progress the restoration of an 800m reach of canal between Clones and Clonfad in County Monaghan, including a canal basin and amenity area in Clones.

Work on the second phase of restoring the Ulster Canal has picked up this year, with related projects now on track to be completed by 2023.

That was the message from Heritage Minister Darragh O’Brien in a recent written response to a Dáil question from Matt Carthy, Sinn Fein TD for Cavan-Monaghan.

Funding secured in late 2019, with 25% matched by his department, enabled Waterways Ireland to carry out preliminary engineering studies for the restoration of an 800m stretch of the inland waterway between Clones and Clonfad on Co Monaghan, the minister confirmed.

Restoration works will also include construction of a new canal basin and amenity area; two new access bridges and restoration of an existing masonry arch bridge; and towpaths along the banks creating a looped walkway along the canal.

The studies included a commission to investigate sourcing a sustainable water supply; site investigation work for design proposals and project estimates; an economic appraisal; and a tourism and recreation study to assess opportunities for watersports and leisure adjacent to the Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre in Clones.

The minister added that work relating to land requirements and purchase arrangements for this section has also commenced, and will facilitate the submission of a Category 1 application to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund by Tuesday 1 December.

Subject to securing further investment, Waterways Ireland proposes delivering this phase of the restoration over the years 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Meanwhile, Minister O’Brien also confirmed that plans for the wider Ulster Canal Greenway are moving apace, with planning applications for its first phase to be submitted this month.

The Ulster Canal Greenway will create 22km of new cross-border greenway between Smithborough and Middletown. The project consists of two stages.

First is the cross-border section from Monaghan town to Middletown, with planning applications on both sides of the border due to be submitted by the end of this month.

Plans are in train for the second stage, from Smithborough to Monaghan town, with planning approval expected to be in place by mid-2021.

Tenders for construction will be developed in the latter part of 2021, with a view to awarding contracts the following year and seeing construction completed by mid-2023.

“Council staff will jointly develop and coordinate delivery of community engagement programmes in each council area to promote use of the developed greenway,” the minister added.

Proposals in the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael joint framework for a potential ‘Grand Coalition’ government could be a boon for the Ulster Canal and other cross-border infrastructure.

Under the heading ‘A Shared Island’, the draft document describes the formation of a ‘Unit’ to work towards a consensus on a united island, which includes ensuring the implementation of the recent Northern Ireland deal, New Decade, New Approach.

“This will include investing in cross-border infrastructure, such as the A5, the Narrow Water Bridge, cross-border greenways, the Ulster Canal, as well as examining high-speed cross-border rail services,” the document states.

Work has been slow since Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal Greenway project was launched more than two-and-a-half years ago, with the most recent focus on restoration of the inland waterway between Lough Erne and the terminal at Clones in Co Monaghan.

New public moorings at Castlesaunderson, near Belturbet in Co Cavan, were set for completion last autumn, as The Anglo-Celt reports.

#InlandWaters - A series of three ‘community information events’ on the next phase of the Ulster Canal Greenway begins this week, with a meeting at Tyholland Community Centre in Co Monaghan from 4pm to 8pm tomorrow (Tuesday 2 October).

This will be followed by events at Middletown Community Parish Hall, Co Armagh on Wednesday 10 October, and Smithborough Community Hall, Co Monaghan on Thursday 18 October, both also from 4pm to 8pm.

Waterways Ireland; Monaghan County Council; Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council; and East Border Region Ltd are working in partnership to deliver Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal Greenway.

Landowners, local communities and the general public are invited to these information events to find out more about the project.​

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD and the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, have today launched the EU-funded €4.95m Ulster Canal Greenway Project which will see the development of an off-road sustainable travel route between Smithborough, Co Monaghan and Middletown, Co Armagh.

The project is supported by the European Union's INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project is also supported by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The project partners, led by Waterways Ireland, are Monaghan County Council, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and East Border Region Ltd.

Minister Ross stated “This is a wonderful initiative. Greenways connect communities, promote healthier lifestyles and encourage engagement with the outdoors. They also offer active travel opportunities for both pedestrians and cyclists and have proven to be a major attraction for visitors.

I’m very pleased to be launching Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal Greenway here today. Creating a new Greenway involves years of planning, construction and goodwill from those in surrounding lands. But it’s a commitment that delivers back to the community in spades. This Greenway promises to be a major asset to surrounding areas, as it brings the old towpaths of the disused Ulster Canal back into use and extends the Monaghan Town Greenway by 22km in a very welcome cross-border project. By 2020, the Greenway will link Smithborough, Co Monaghan to Middleton, Co Armagh.

I very much look forward to making use of it in the future and I encourage you all to do likewise.”

The Ulster Canal Greenway (UCG) Phase 2 project is a pioneering move to develop the first sustainable transport alternative for cross-border commuters between Smithborough, Co. Monaghan and Middletown, Co. Armagh. Monaghan to Northern Ireland is the second highest of all South-North commuter flows, and Armagh to Ireland is the third highest of all North-South flows. The project valued at €4.95m aims to construct 22km of new cross-border Greenway by 2020 and actively to promote commuter behavioural change through a targeted community engagement programme. It will result in a 4.5% increase in the number of cross-border journeys via walking / cycling by 2023. The project is designed to connect with the completed Phase I section, which utilises the disused Ulster Canal to provide a highly strategic route linking the east/ west sides of Monaghan.

Minister Heather Humphreys in whose constituency the Greenway will run, said at the launch

“I am delighted that Waterways Ireland, an agency under the remit of my own Department, have agreed to act as the lead partner for this flagship cross-border project. The first phase of the Greenway, here in Monaghan, already attracts over 100,000 users per year and has been a fantastic success since it opened in 2014. The further expansion of the Greenway will strengthen cross border relations by directly linking communities North and South of the border. The provision of this landmark recreational amenity will also provide a huge tourism boost for County Monaghan and the wider border region. “

Speaking at the event Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer with the Special EU Programmes Body, said: “When completed this cross border project will help to meet some important targets under the sustainable transport objective of the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme. It will encourage more people to get out of their cars and increase the number of cross-border journeys made by walking and cycling, thereby helping to reduce our collective carbon footprint.

“Not only will this produce many benefits for the region, but the project is also making a contribution towards the EU’s ‘Europe 2020’ strategy which has been specifically designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help safeguard the environment,” she continued.

Also attending the launch on the day were children from St John’s Primary School, Middletown, Co Armagh and Gaelscoil Ultain, St Marys Boys School and St Louis Girls School The extended Ulster Canal Greenway route will create the first cross-border greenway that will enable cyclists and walkers commute to work and study in future years.

The Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Cllr Cathy Bennett stated ‘The 4km Monaghan Town Greenway has been a huge success and it attracts over 100,000 users annually. I am delighted that the INTERREG VA programme is supporting the next 22km section of the Ulster Canal Greenway. This new phase of the greenway will join communities north and south of the border, bringing huge benefits to our area and encouraging even more people to get out walking and cycling on a daily basis.’

Alderman Elizabeth Ingram, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council stated "A key facet of our vision is to engage and support initiatives that protect and safeguard our environment for future generations to come that is why we are delighted to partner up on the EU funded Ulster Canal Greenway project. Bringing about substantial environmental benefits whilst enhancing the quality of life in the area, this pioneering project will deliver an alternative and sustainable pathway for cyclists and walkers to commute between both sides of the border. The collaborative project highlights our commitment to growing a connected, welcoming and healthy community.”

The project will also contribute to a deepened level of partnership between key stakeholders and to the development of expertise and dissemination of best practice in delivering cross-border projects.