Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith welcomes the allocation of substantial government funding towards the restoration of the Ulster Canal.  This particular funding gives this project much needed impetus and enables Phase 2 to be undertaken and also preparatory work on Phase 3.

“€5.57 million from the Government’s Rural Regeneration Development Fund and €6 million from the recently announced Shared Island Fund has been allocated for Phase 2 and a further €1 million from the Shared Island Fund is being provided towards preparatory work on Phase 3. 

The restoration of the Ulster Canal is a major cross border project which will enhance considerably our tourism product at a local level, providing a new amenity for local residents and visitors, will generate economic activity and assist in job creation. This waterway will also be an integral part of our All Ireland navigable inland waterways network which is a powerful natural resource and such a key part of our national tourism infrastructure and attraction.

In this area we have all seen the benefits of developing the Erne/Shannon Waterway and linking up these waterways will be a further welcome tourism attraction bringing benefits to many parts of our island.  This funding being allocated under the Shared Island Fund, recently announced by An Taoiseach, demonstrates clearly the potential of this initiative to develop cross-border and all Ireland projects for the benefit of all the people of this country.  The border region can be a major beneficiary of such projects”, stated Brendan Smith TD.

Ends 28/04/21