An Ulster Canal advisory forum is to be set up to consider options and funding. It was announced by Minister for Rural Affairs Heather Humphreys and the Minister for Infrastructure in Belfast, Chris Hazzard.
The purpose of the forum is to consider options for advancing the Ulster Canal project and to examine possible funding mechanisms, including existing funding streams as well as the potential to leverage funding from other sources. The forum will have regard to the review of the Ulster Canal being taken forward by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government as set out in A Fresh Start – The Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan.
The membership will comprise two elected members and one official from Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council as well as senior officials from the departments led by Ms Humphreys and Mr Hazzard. Waterways Ireland will also be represented.
Interested stakeholders from other organisations will be invited to attend as appropriate.
Ms Humphreys said that having obtained approval for phase one of the Ulster Canal restoration project, she was anxious to build on the momentum.
Mr Hazzard said he wanted to work with local councils and communities: “By working together we can help unlock the tourism potential of the entire region.”