Phase two of the Ulster Canal redevelopment project is officially complete following a €28.4 million investment.

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, alongside Waterways Ireland, unveiled the 1.5km stretch on Wednesday (June 19).

The project, carried out by Waterways Ireland, the navigational authority for the inland navigable waterways, started in August 2022 and concluded this June.

Clones in Co. Monaghan now connects to Clonfad in the same county.

(Image: Waterways Ireland)

The second phase features a new marina in Clones and a kilometre-long restored canal and towpath with a looped walk and an amenity area including parking, a service block, a picnic area, performance space, and bus/trailer spaces, on the route of the 180-year-old Ulster Canal.

80 new jobs were created during the project's second phase, and the newly launched amenities should bolster tourism and hospitality in the area.

John McDonagh, chief executive officer of Waterways Ireland, said: "Waterways Ireland’s purpose is to be the custodian of the inland navigations and collaborate to reimagine, maintain, develop, and promote them to sustain communities, environment, and heritage.

(Image: Waterways Ireland)

"Through the Ulster Canal restoration, we aim to build a brighter future where the waterway plays an inspirational role in the lives of the local community and offers exciting opportunities for local businesses."

Phase one of the restoration was completed in 2019 and enabled travel by boat from Lough Erne to a new boating destination at Castle Saunderson in County Cavan. Once completed, Phase three will connect the 10km between Clonfad and Castle Saunderson, linking the town of Clones by navigable waterway to the Erne system and to the wider waterway network.