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The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys T.D., and the Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard, MLA., have today announced the establishment of the Ulster Canal Advisory Forum.

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 of the Forum will comprise of two elected members and one official from Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council as well as senior officials from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department for Infrastructure and Waterways Ireland. Interested stakeholders from other organisations will be invited to attend meetings of the Forum as appropriate.

Announcing the establishment of the Forum, Minister Humphreys said:
"Having obtained Irish Government approval for the commencement of Phase 1 of the Ulster Canal restoration project from Upper Lough Erne to Castle Saunderson, I am anxious to build on this momentum and to plan for the further development of this important resource which is so critical for the border region. This Forum, which will include key stakeholders along the Ulster Canal route, will be a positive dynamic in advancing the project."

Minister Hazzard said:
“I am keen that development of the Ulster Canal is undertaken in partnership with local councils and communities. By working together we can help unlock the tourism potential of the entire region and maximise all available funding opportunities. The commitment made in the Fresh Start agreement clearly signals our shared interest in moving this project forward”.