Transforming the Historic Ulster Canal: Phase 2 Project Update
21 April 2023
Doran Consulting is delighted to be
acting as lead consultant on the flagship cross-border project.
John McDonagh, CEO of Waterways Ireland gave the following project update:
"Given the significance of this week, which marked the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and Tánaiste Micheál Martin’s reference to Shared Island funded projects during his powerful speech at the Agreement 25 event in Belfast, I think it is timely to share an update on Phase 2 of our Ulster Canal Restoration project.
The broader Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection, and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future. The Ulster Canal Phase 2 Restoration is one of the projects to be substantially funded under this initiative.
Once complete, Phase 2 will restore the Ulster Canal between Clonfad and Clones. The project will involve the development of a new marina, two new access bridges, repairs to an existing masonry arch bridge, and a sustainable water supply. It will also include approximately 1km of restored canal and towpath, with a looped walk and an amenity area on the route of the 180-year-old Ulster Canal in Clones.
Phase 2 commenced in August 2022, and work is progressing well. We envisage substantial completion in Q4 2023, and I am pleased to report we remain on budget. Some examples of the progress can be seen in the pictures below, including the installation of the new Clonfad flood relief culvert and the refurbishment of the Teehill Masonry Arch.
Well done to everyone involved in this project; it is great to see the transformative progress unfold. ".