FUNDING SETBACK FOR CROSS-BORDER GREENWAY PROJECT

The development of the Ulster Canal Greenway from Monaghan to Middletown has been thrown into doubt after funder SEUPB or the Special EU Programmes Body has indicated that the timeline for the delivery of the project through INTERREG funding is no longer viable. Land acquisition difficulties for the Northern Ireland section of the development have brought about the situation, last week’s meeting of Monaghan Co Council was informed.

The Council has commenced discussions with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to see if they will fund the section of the greenway up to the Border. The management report before the meeting stated: “Regarding the Monaghan to Middletown section of the Ulster Canal Greenway, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have been endeavouring to acquire the necessary lands by direct negotiation facilitated by engaging a land valuation agent. After a protracted period of negotiations, Armagh…