TAOISEACH SETS ULSTER CANAL COMPLETION IN STONE

Concrete evidence of the passage of the Ulster Canal restoration project from aspiration to actuality was delivered by Taoiseach Michael Martin in Clones on Tuesday when he performed the unveiling at the Ulster Canal Stores of the foundation stone marking the commencement of phase two of the multi-million development. The significance of the occasion was reinforced by the presence of three Irish Government Ministers and a Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive. Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys from Cavan/Monaghan (described as the “keeper of the flame” of the project by Waterways Ireland Chief Executive John McDonagh) was joined by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD and the North’s Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd MLA.

“I am delighted that through support from the Shared Island Fund we have been able to prioritise the Ulster Canal restoration and bring it to this stage,” the Taoiseach stated. “Now that the momentum behind this long-standing project has been reignited, the Government intends to do more to progress the next phases of the canal restoration.” Following the contact signing for phase two works at the Canal Stores late last month, returnees to the venue on Tuesday witnessed Jon’s Civil Engineering Company Ltd employees already deep into work to deliver a new marina on nearby lands. Due for completion late next year, the phase two work will also entail the development of two new access bridges, repairs to an existing masonry arch bridge and the provision of a sustainable water supply. The presence of so many national political heavyweights from both sides of the Border registered the significance of Tuesday’s ceremonials powerfully, as did the presence of a cluster of national broadcast and print media representatives, whose…