Major milestone marked in cross-border canal project

The canal is now restored between Clonfad and Clones and open for navigation

The completion of the second phase of the Ulster Canal restoration in Clones, County Monaghan, has been officially marked by the taoiseach (Irish PM) and tánaiste (deputy prime minister).

The canal is now restored between Clonfad and Clones and open for navigation and includes a major canal basin marina and amenity area in Clones.

It marks a major milestone for the landmark cross-border restoration project.

The project has been talked about in border communities for decades.

Taoiseach (Prime minister) Simon Harris acknowledged the work of many people to get the project to completion.

"It's now 26 years since the Good Friday Agreement, and peace is about connecting people," he said.

"This canal will be for all future generations to enjoy.

"This is another benefit of peace on the island, 25 years since Waterways Ireland and other north-south organisations."

The project includes a canal basin marina and amenity area in Clones

The Irish government said restoration of the canal would provide communities across the rural border region with a new amenity, as well as a new tourism destination with opportunities for businesses.

Mr Harris said phase three, the final phase, will ensure the project is "truly transformative" and will connect Clones to Lough Erne in County Fermanagh.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd attended the event.

Junior Minister Pam Cameron acted on behalf of OFMDFM.

The project was delivered by Waterways Ireland and funded by the Shared Island Fund, Department of Rural and Community Development and Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the, at a cost of more than €20m (£16.9m).

'Legitimate aspiration'

At the event, Mr Harris told BBC News NI that his political aspiration is a united Ireland.

Last week, former taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Irish government should put more money aside in order to prepare for Irish unity.

Mr Harris said: “It is the legitimate aspiration of any nationalist and republican to want a united Ireland.

Taoiseach Simon Harris pictured with Tánaiste Micheál Martin at the event

“That is my political aspiration as well. But I think the most important thing is to keep on looking for practical ways of working together in the institutions and extend the hand of friendship."

Mr Harris said all parties in the Irish government remain “absolutely committed” to the Shared Island unit.

“Budgetary matters are for the budget, and what you're seeing are the practical benefits of this project, of this initiative already and, of course, I’d like to see that continued,” he said

Referring to Mr Varadkar’s comments, he said it was “good that we now live in a country and on an island where people are freely and regularly discussing the future”.