Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1269. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding can be provided in 2020 for the restoration of the Ulster Canal; the works that will be undertaken in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8503/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland was successful in 2019 in securing €325,000 of Category 2 funding (project development) towards the restoration of the Ulster Canal under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for restoration between Clones and Clonfad (circa 1 km) in County Monaghan. A further 25% of match funding is being provided by my Department.
A commission to investigate sourcing a sustainable water supply commenced in 2019 and is ongoing with completion expected in July 2020. A tender has also been awarded for the drilling of investigatory wells in order to inform this study. Work is also ongoing on a tender to develop a vision for the canal zone in this section of restoration. Work relating to land requirements and purchase arrangements for this section of the restoration has also commenced.
Waterways Ireland is also preparing outline designs and preliminary investigatory work in order to facilitate the preparation of estimates for the restoration of this section of canal in County Monaghan. These works will be paid for from the secured Rural Regeneration and Development Fund of €433,000, with a spend of €28,500 realised in 2019 and the balance to be spent during 2020 as works are completed.
