Ulster Canal

Pictured at the contract signing for phase two of the Ulster Canal redevelopment were Waterways Ireland chief executive, John McDonagh and Managing Director of Jon’s Civil Engineering, John Pentony. The project will be managed by Waterways Ireland and implemented by Doran Consulting. The work will be undertaken by Jon’s Civil Engineering. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

Sod turned on next phase of Ulster Canal project

Ulster Canal

Published: Tue 26 Jul 2022, 9:01 AM

Last updated: Tue 26 Jul 2022, 9:02 AM

Contracts have been signed for the second phase of the Ulster Canal redevelopment.

The sod was also turned on the €12M project between Clones and Clonfad on Monday of this week with work expected to be compete in 2023.

The project will include 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.

In April 2021, Minister Heather Humphreys and Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced €12 million in funding for this phase of the Ulster Canal project between Clones and Clonfad.

The project will be managed by Waterways Ireland and implemented by Doran Consulting. The work will be undertaken by Jon’s Civil Engineering.

The Investment was supported jointly by the Government’s Shared Island Fund and the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), which comes under the Minister’s Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Shared Island Fund, established by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, is providing a further €1m for Phase three of the project – linking Clonfad to Castle Saunderson – to undertake the feasibility and pre-construction works for this phase.

This brings the total Government investment to over €13m for the project.

Public representatives at the sod turning for the second phase of the Ulster Canal Project. From left: Deputy Pauline Tully (SF), Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien; Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF); Minister Heather Humphreys (FG), Deputy Brendan Smith (FF); Deputy Matt Carthy (SF) and Senator Robbie Gallagher (FF).

Fianna Fáil Deputy Niamh Smyth, who was also present at the sod turning, welcomed the progress on the development.

She further detailed some of the work involved: "An amenity area will also be constructed with car parking, bus/trailer spaces, a service block and picnic area and will be connected to the town and the existing playground. I understand that work is to begin shortly and will be completed in 2023."

Deputy Smyth added: "The Shared Island Initiative is proof of Fianna Fail’s commitment to delivering all-island solutions, which produce real results and benefits for people on either side of the border.”