WATCH: Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal Restoration completed

Taoiseach cuts ribbon on landmark €20 million project.

Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration in Clones has now been completed, with the opening ceremony attended by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and ministers from both sides of the Border.

The canal is now restored between Clonfad and Clones and open for navigation, along with an accompanying major canal basin marina and amenity area in Clones - marking a major milestone for this cross-border restoration project.

The landmark €20 million investment was hailed as symbol of peace and reconciliation by Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Ministers Darragh O’Brien and Heather Humphreys, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd MLA, and Junior Minister in the Executive Office, Pam Cameron MLA.

The restoration project has been a key priority for rural communities and businesses in Monaghan and surrounding areas for many years, and the opening of the new phase is seen as a significant opportunity to boost connections between both communities and canal systems north and south.