Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 December 2013
119. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of reopening the Ulster Canal; the number of phases involved; if an application has been made to the EU for funding; if matching funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53443/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in July 2007, the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) agreed to proceed with the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne. The then Government agreed to cover the full capital costs of the project, which were estimated at that time to be of the order of €35m. It was always the intention that the Ulster Canal project would be funded from the Waterways Ireland annual allocations, as agreed through the annual estimates processes in this jurisdiction, as well as the deliberations of NSMC in relation to annual budgets. It was a key consideration throughout the process that the Ulster Canal project would be supported by a significant level of projected income from the commercialisation of certain Waterways Ireland assets. However, the economic downturn has had a negative impact on those plans.
I am continuing to explore all possible options to advance this project within the current fiscal constraints. In this regard, I established an Inter-Agency Group on the Ulster Canal to explore ways to advance the project and to examine possible funding options for it, including existing funding streams and the leveraging of funding from other sources. This includes the exploration of any EU funding which may be potentially available. The Ulster Canal project is progressing on an incremental basis. Planning approvals have now been received for the project in both jurisdictions. Work on land maps is continuing, as is consideration of construction and other technical aspects of the project. I welcome these developments, which, I am sure the Deputy will agree, are a significant milestone for the project.
