Waterways Ireland, in partnership with Monaghan County Council and Fáilte Ireland, is inviting individuals, businesses and organisations to tender for contracts to create attractive visitor experiences at the Ulster Canal Marina in Clones, Co Monaghan as part of the redevelopment of the Ulster Canal.

Ulster Canal Marina, and the associated 1km canal that is due to open in 2024, will be a new water-based asset along the inland waterway which is being restored on a phased basis.

The new marina and short section of water at Clones will provide a range of leisure and recreational opportunities for both visitors and the local community.

Two lots are available to tender for: an outdoor activity provision concession and/or a catering concession at Ulster Canal Marina.

Under the outdoor activity provision, Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Monaghan County Council are looking to encourage a range of activities for the local community and visitors to the site, including but not limited to canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing, open-water swimming, outdoor play, bushcraft and a sauna.

Under the catering provision, Waterways Ireland is looking for a high-quality catering unit that will sell a range of sustainably sourced refreshments to enhance the visitor experience. This list is not exhaustive; other activities will be considered subject to suitability.

The tender process will remain open until Monday 8 April, after which an evaluation will take place. Contracts are anticipated to be awarded in early summer 2024.

To receive the tender pack and to submit a completed tender document, contact Waterways Ireland by email at [email protected]. Queries about the tender pack can also be directed to this email address.

Waterways Ireland has launched an ambitious 10-year plan which seeks to deliver on the enhancement, restoration and conservation of Ireland’s inland waterways, greenways and blueways.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways aims for a “reimagining” of the historic waterways under its remit “to make them more sustainable and accessible while offering enhanced recreational opportunities for users, including watersports, angling, cycling, walking, boating and more”.

This long-term vision will be supported by an initial investment of around €200 million in funding over the first three years of a 10-year cycle.

One of the key commitments is investment in and and redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands and the canals running directly through the capital city, the Royal Canal and Grand Canal, to bring these areas to a standard seen in other European capitals.

Outside of Dublin, a significant focus will be put on the next phase of development of the Ulster Canal, which Waterways Ireland hails as one of its “largest engineering feats ever undertaken”.

Some €120 million in capital funding will be invested in phase three, comprising a 10km stretch from Castle Saunderson to Clonfad. This will link with phase two, from Clonfad to Clones, where a new marina is under construction and works are scheduled to finish in time for the 2024 season in March.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph about the third phase, Waterways Ireland chief executive John McDonagh said: “I can say confidently we have support from a wide consensus of the community on both sides of the border for this particular project. The community in general has been waiting for a long time for this to happen.”

Also core to the 10-year plan is sustainability, with Waterways Ireland including “directional pathway” that looks to enhance and upgrade the waterways for the public good “in a manner that is harmonious with the surrounding environments [and] supports the ecological integrity, while promoting biodiversity and eco-friendly practices”.

Commenting on the launch of the plan, McDonagh added: “We have established a significant number of opportunities in this 10-year plan to transform and enhance Ireland’s waterways, greenways and blueways into attractive visitor experiences for locals and tourists alike, while providing added economic, social and environmental benefit to these local communities.

“We want to encourage more people to use our waterways and natural amenities, while conserving the cultural heritage to ensure future generations enjoy everything our waterways have to offer.”

The full plan is available to read on the Waterways Ireland website HERE.

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.