Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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584. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the works related to the Ulster Canal that are to be completed in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32503/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Phase 1 of the Restoration of the Ulster Canal was completed in 2019 comprising the opening of circa 2.5km of new navigation from Upper Lough Erne near Quivvy Lough along the River Finn to Castle Saunderson.

This consisted of dredging of the River Finn, construction of a short length of new lateral canal together with a new navigation arch beside Derrykerrib Bridge on the River Finn and the installation of a new jetty at Castle Saunderson.

Ulster Canal Restoration (Phase II)

Waterways Ireland secured €324,000 of Rural Regional Development Funding in late 2019 and a further 25% of match funding from my Department.

This has enabled the Agency in 2020 to carry out preliminary engineering studies to progress the restoration of an 800m reach of canal between Clones and Clonfad in County Monaghan, including a canal basin and amenity area in Clones as part of Phase 2 of the restoration.

These studies have included a commission to investigate sourcing a sustainable water supply, site investigation work in order to facilitate the development of design proposals and associated project estimates, an economic appraisal focusing on the Phase 2 proposal and a tourism and recreation study to assess the opportunity to develop a water-sports and leisure facilities adjacent to the Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre in Clones. Work relating to land requirements and purchase arrangements for this section of the restoration has also commenced.

This work is being completed in advance of, and to facilitate the submission of a Category 1 application to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund by the 1^stDecember 2020.

Subject to securing investment for this phase of the restoration Waterways Ireland propose delivering this phase of the restoration over the years 2021, 2022 and 2023. This would include the construction of approximately 800m of canal from the existing Canal Stores in Clones to the Border at Clonfad, construction of a new canal basin and amenity area, construction of two new access bridges, restoration of an existing masonry arch bridge and construction of towpaths along the banks creating a looped walkway along the canal.

Ulster Canal Greenway

The Ulster Canal Greenway project will create 22km of new cross-border greenway between Smithborough and Middletown.

In 2016 the project was granted €4.95m through the INTERREG VA Sustainable Transport Measure. Joint implementation is being achieved through a Project Steering Group (PSG) comprising Waterways Ireland as Lead Partner and Monaghan County Council (MCC), Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC), and East Border Region Ltd.

The development of the Ulster Canal Greenway is in line with commitments of the New Decade, New Approach and the Programme for Government on the development of greenways in border areas.

The Greenway project is made up of two stages:

Stage 1 is the section with the cross-border element - Monaghan town to Middletown with planning applications on both sides of the border due to be submitted in November 2020.

Stage 2 - Smithborough to Monaghan town – Plans are being progressed with planning approval expected to be in place by mid-2021.

In the latter part of 2021 preparation of tender documents for construction works will be commenced.

In 2022 the tender for construction will be finalised, tenders will be sought and the construction contract(s) will be awarded. The construction phase will commence and continue through to 2023. It is expected that the Greenway will be ready for use in mid-2023. Council staff will jointly develop and co-ordinate delivery of Community Engagement Programmes in each council area to promote use of the developed greenway.