• €165 billion infrastructure plan recommits to completing landmark Ulster Canal Project

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Minister Heather Humphreys has today welcomed the strong commitments contained in the Government’s National Development Plan to completing all stages of the landmark Ulster Canal Project.

The National Development Plan, which was formally announced on Monday, makes several pledges to completing the Ulster Canal, which has received millions of euro in funding from Minister Humphreys Department of Rural and Community Development.

The NDP commits to:

“Completion of all Phases of the Ulster Canal restoration project, with support from the Shared Island Fund and other partners, with blueways and greenways extending from Upper Lough Erne to Middletown, delivering a landmark sustainable tourism and recreation amenity for the central border region.”

In April of this year, Minister Humphreys and Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced€12 million in funding for Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal project between Clones and Clonfad.

The Investment was supported jointly by the Government’s Shared Island Fund and the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), which comes under the Minister’s Department of Rural and Community Development.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting on Monday, Minister Humphreys said she is really pleased that the NDP recommits to progressing all stages of the Ulster Canal.

“The National Development Plan represents a huge investment of €165 million in infrastructure projects across the country.

“Itis welcome news to see the Ulster Canal receive real such a strong mention in the plan itself.

“This demonstrates the level of priority that is being placed on delivering this project from Government.

“It’s also very welcome to see commitments within the plan to the development of greenways and blueways from Upper Lough Erne to Middletown. This sends out a strong signal in terms of delivering a real tourism boost to the border region.”

Minister Humphreys continued:

“Delivering the Ulster Canal has been a huge focus of mine for many years now.

“Earlier this year, I was delighted to announce €12 million in funding for Phase Two of the project, along with Taoiseach Michéal Martin.

“My Department’s Rural Regeneration Development Fund, which is a key part of ‘Our Rural Future’, supported Phase Two of Ulster Canal to the sum of almost €6 million.

“Once complete, the Ulster Canal will represent a unique, flagship cross border project which will bring huge economic benefits to the region.

“It will also act as a permanent symbol of peace and reconciliation on our island – demonstrating the benefits of bringing our communities together.”

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