Written answers
Wednesday, 16 July 2025
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Waterways Issues
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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135. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the current status of phase 3 of the Ulster Canal; when works on this phase will commence; the estimated date of completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39812/25]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The restoration of the Ulster Canal restoration is a major cross-border project funded by the Government, with the majority of funding coming from the Shared Island Fund and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The project is being delivered by Waterways Ireland, in three phases, two of which are now complete:
- Phase 1 from Upper Lough Erne to Castle Saunderson (completed in 2019);
- Phase 2 from Clones to Clonfad (completed June 2024); and
- Phase 3 is the longest stretch at 10 km and is the most complex stage. It includes 10km of new and refurbished navigable canal and towpath, bridges, locks, marina and service blocks.
Waterways Ireland continues to liaise with relevant stakeholders. including affected landowners.
Substantial preliminary work is underway on Phase 3 with the immediate priority being the implementation of the Land Acquisition Strategy for the delivery of its four sub-phases. Waterways Ireland has corresponded with all landowners, providing a project update. More detailed engagement has commenced recently with land owners in Sub Phase 3.1 & 3.2.
Estimated completion of all elements (subject to land acquisition and the necessary planning consent for sub-phase 3.3) is 2029.
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