Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
698. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the works that will be undertaken this year and planned for 2026 on a restoration project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39574/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, 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
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. In addition, the tender process for the detailed design of sub-phase 3.3 has commenced.
Waterways Ireland continues to progress the land acquisition process for all sub-phases and is liaising with all relevant stakeholders including the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland and affected landowners in relation to the project.
There has been extensive engagement by Waterways Ireland with Monaghan County Council (MCC) in relation to the planning application for sub-phase 3.3. Following observations received on the planning application, a revised application has been submitted to MCC. A decision on this application is expected shortly.
It is anticipated that, subject to the successful completion of the land acquisition process, a contractor for construction of sub-phases 3.1 and 3.2 will be appointed in 2026 and that construction works will commence later this year.
