Ulster Canal – Public Consultation

Waterways Ireland plans to restore navigation on the Ulster Canal between Upper Lough Erne and Clones, in Counties Cavan, Fermanagh and Monaghan. To this end a draft Restoration Plan, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment relating to the proposed Plan have been completed. The draft Plan includes information on the routes considered and the preferred route selected by Waterways Ireland based on the environmental assessments undertaken.

Before being finalised the draft Restoration Plan, is open for public consultation. The plan will be reviewed in light of all submissions made to Waterways Ireland after the public consultation and where necessary, amendments will be made.

There are three ways members of the public can view the draft Plan.  The draft Plan is available for people to view at the Waterways Ireland HQ and Clones Library from the 18th August - 30th September from 9.15-5.15pm Monday-Friday. The Plan can also be downloaded from www.waterwaysireland.org Public Information Days are being held in Newtownbutler Community Hall on 1 September and Canal Stores, Clones, on 3 September from 2-8pm. In attendance will be member of the consulting team who carried out the Assessments and Waterways Ireland staff who are managing the Ulster Canal project and the consultation process. Comment sheets will be available at these venues.

All submissions must be sent to Waterways Ireland in writing by post to either Brian Mullan, 2 Sligo Rd, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT74 7JY or to Cormac McCarthy, Waterways Ireland, Dock Road, Drewsborough, Scarriff, Co. Clare. Alternatively submissions may be sent by email to cormac.mccarthy@waterwaysireland.org  All submissions must be received before the 30th September 2010. 

Once the public consultation phase is over and any amendments are made to the plan, Waterways Ireland intends to seek planning permission. The construction phase of this section of canal will take approximately two years.

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