To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on any further work planned to connect the Ulster Canal with Lough Neagh, and therefore the lower Bann, in order to open up this area to boating tourism.

In July 2007, it was agreed by the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) to extend Waterways Ireland’s remit to include responsibility for the restoration of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones, and following restoration, its management, maintenance, and development, principally for recreational purposes.

The Ulster Canal Restoration project from Lough Erne to Clones is being constructed in three phases.

Phase 1: Lough Erne to Castle Saunderson was completed in 2019

Phase 2: Clones to Clonfad was completed June 2024

Phase 3: Clonfad to Castlesaunderson:

This final section will connect the 10km between Castle Saunderson and Clonfad and link the town of Clones by navigable waterway to the Erne System and onward to the wider waterway network.

Phase 3 will be the largest and most challenging and work is already underway to ensure an application for renewed planning permission will be made later this year.

Waterways Ireland are working with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland on the Fermanagh elements of Phase 3. Estimated completion of all elements, subject to funding, is 2028/29.

While there are no plans currently to expand the Ulster Canal restoration project to include a connection with Lough Neagh, DfI has expressed a keenness to move this project forward in line with the expressed commitment in the Stormont House Agreement, A Fresh Start: The Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan.