Waterways Ireland

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Questions (257, 397)

Matt Carthy

Question:

257. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the estimated delivery timeframes for sub-phases of phase three of the Ulster canal project. [4929/26]

View answer

Matt Carthy

Question:

397. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current estimated delivery timeframes for sub-phases of Phase 3 of the Ulster Canal project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5118/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 397 together.

The restoration of the Ulster Canal is a major cross-border project principally funded by the Shared Island Fund and my Department. The project is being delivered by Waterways Ireland, in three phases:

• Phase 1 from Upper Lough Erne to Castle Saunderson (completed in 2019)

• Phase 2 from Clones to Clonfad (completed June 2024), and

• Phase 3 Castle Saunderson to Clonfad (underway).

Phase 3 is the longest stretch at 10km and includes 10km of new and refurbished navigable canal and towpath, bridges, locks, marina and service blocks. Phase 3 has four sub-phases:

• Sub-phase 3.1 from Castlesaunderson to Gortnacarrow

• Sub-phase 3.2 from Gortnacarrow to Clonoony

• Sub-phase 3.3 Clonoony to Derrynure

• Sub-phase 3.4 Derrynure to Clonfad

Substantial preliminary work is underway on Phase 3. Waterways Ireland has appointed a dedicated project lead for this phase and the detailed design for sub-phases 3.1 and 3.2 is progressing well.

Waterways Ireland continues to liaise with relevant stakeholders including affected landowners in relation to the project. I understand that Waterways Ireland has corresponded with all affected landowners, providing a project update, and more detailed engagement has commenced with land owners in sub phases 3.1 and 3.2.

A planning application for Phase 3.3 has been submitted to Monaghan County Council. It is expected that the detailed design tenders for sub-phases 3.3 and 3.4 will be issued later this year.

It is expected that a contractor for construction of sub-phases 3.1 and 3.2 will be appointed by mid 2026 and that construction works will commence in Q3 2026. Estimated completion of all elements (subject to land acquisition and the necessary planning consent for sub-phase 3.3) is 2029.