Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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350. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of works to date and plans for progressing the restoration of the Ulster Canal in 2016; the action she has taken and will take to make this a live project, and at the earliest possible time, along the entirety of the already approved section, Lough Erne to Clones; the prospect of having the Lough Neagh to Benburb section commenced in the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18085/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Government approval to restore a 2.5km stretch of the Ulster Canal from the Shannon-Erne Waterway to the International Scout Centre at Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan was granted on 24 February 2015. The project, which comprises three work phases, is being undertaken by Waterways Ireland.

Phase 1, the site investigation work, has been completed. I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that Phase 2, the River Finn dredging works, was delayed due to a contractual dispute. Works to complete this phase will recommence shortly and it is anticipated that Phase 3, the construction of a new bridge at Derrykerrib, will commence in 2017.

The approval by the North-South Ministerial Council in July 2007 of restoration works to the Ulster Canal related to the 13 km section of the canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne. The restoration of the Lough Neagh to Benburb section of the canal was not included in that decision.