Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin are due to visit Clones next Wednesday to officially open Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal Restoration. Speaking to Northern Sound, Minister Heather Humphreys said that people from the area have been talking about the Ulster Canal for the last 30 years, with many people of the opinion that it would never happen. In 2014 when first appointed as a Minister, Heather Humphreys said she started this journey by allocating €4 million in funding for Phase 1 of the project which linked Lough Erne and Castlesaunderson. This project was completed back in 2020. At present, phase two of the project is now complete which seen the development of a new marina, two new access bridges, repairs to an existing arch bridge, and a sustainable water supply.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Minister Humphreys said that the total cost of Phase 2 is €20 million which was jointly funded by her department and the shared island fund. The local minister has encouraged locals from all over to attend the official opening which she says will be a "great day" for the people of Clones. The Minister for Rural and Community Development stated; "This really is a massive deal for the town of Clones and I just want to get the message out there and invite everybody from the local community, local businesses and local sports clubs, to come along enjoy the celebrations on the day. This is a day for the people of Clones and I'm so pleased that we have delivered for the people of Clones.
