Cross-border forum into key infrastructure project

A cross-border forum to look into restoring the Ulster Canal is being set up. The announcement was made yesterday by Infrastructure minister Chris Hazzard. Currently disused, the waterway was built to connect Lough Erne to Lough Neagh. It's hoped the canal could boost tourism in the region.

The Ulster Canal Advisory Forum was announced by Irish Minister for Rural Affairs, Heather Humphreys T.D., and Stormont's Infrastructure minister, Chris Hazzard, MLA. yesterday.

The purpose of the Forum is to consider options for advancing the Ulster Canal project and to examine possible funding mechanisms, including existing funding streams as well as the potential to leverage funding from other sources.

The Forum will have regard to the review of the Ulster Canal being taken forward by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government as set out in the Fresh Start Agreement.

The Forum will be made up of two elected members and one official from Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. As well as that, there will be senior officials from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department for Infrastructure and Waterways Ireland involved in the project. 

As and when appropriate other key stakeholders will be invited to attend meetings of the Forum.

Announcing the establishment of the Forum, Minister Humphreys said:

“Having obtained Irish Government approval for the commencement of Phase 1 of the Ulster Canal restoration project from Upper Lough Erne to Castle Saunderson, I am anxious to build on this momentum and to plan for the further development of this important resource which is so critical for the border region. This Forum, which will include key stakeholders along the Ulster Canal route, will be a positive dynamic in advancing the project.”

 Minister Hazzard said:

“I am keen that development of the Ulster Canal is undertaken in partnership with local councils and communities.  By working together we can help unlock the tourism potential of the entire region and maximise all available funding opportunities.  The commitment made in the Fresh Start agreement clearly signals our shared interest in moving this project forward”.