Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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The 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 and 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

Substantial preliminary work is underway on Phase 3. Waterways Ireland has appointed a dedicated project lead for this phase and detailed design tenders for sub-phases 3.1 and 3.2 issued in April this year.

Waterways Ireland continues to liaise with relevant stakeholders including affected landowners in relation to the project. I understand that Waterways Ireland has corresponded with all affected landowners, providing a project update, and more detailed engagement has commenced with land owners in sub phases 3.1 and 3.2.

It is expected that a contractor for construction of sub-phases 3.1 and 3.2 will be appointed by mid 2026 and that construction works will commence in Q3 2026. Estimated completion of all elements (subject to land acquisition and the necessary planning consent for sub-phase 3.3) is 2029.