Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
614. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of progress with regard to the Ulster canal project; the amount which has been spent to date on this entire project; her future plans in respect of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35978/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my main priorities since taking Ministerial office has been the restoration of the Ulster Canal. I secured Government approval to restore a 2.5 km stretch of the Ulster Canal from the Shannon-Erne Waterway to the International Scout Centre at Castle Saunderson, Co Cavan on 24th February 2015.
The project, which comprises three work phases, is being undertaken by Waterways Ireland.
The contract for the completion of the 3rd and final phase of the works was awarded to Fox Contracts Ltd from Co Tyrone on 25 March 2017. I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the contractors are currently on site. Setting up the works base and completion of temporary works access is underway. The approval to commence works is now in place, except for a species licence from NIEA (Northern Ireland Environment Agency).
An amount of €2,002,536 has been spent on the entire Ulster Canal project to date and I remain firmly committed to delivering this flagship project for the border region.
