Work has begun next to the Clones Canal Stores for the new marina.

Taoiseach to visit Clones

Eddie Butler

Published: Tue 30 Aug 2022, 9:23 AM

Last updated: Tue 30 Aug 2022, 9:25 AM

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and a cohort of Ministers are to visit Clones today as work begins on the next phase of the Ulster Canal project.

Contractors have moved onto the site of the planned new marina and work has begun.

The Taoiseach, Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan will also be in the border town for the laying of the foundation stone. Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd will also be in attendance.

€40 million was announced in July for phase two of the restoration project, which includes the Clones marina and the reopening of 1km of the historic but derelict canal.

The investment forms part of the major cross border project with hopes the canal can be fully reopened from Castle Saunderson to Clones over the coming years.

Phase one saw the reopening of the waterway from Lough Erne to Castle Saunderson. Work there was finished in 2019 at a cost of €3 million.