PROPOSAL TO EXTEND ULSTER CANAL GREENWAY IS PROGRESSING

The proposal to extend the Ulster Canal Greenway from Smithboro to Middletown had passed the first stage of its assessment process, the April meeting of Monaghan Co Council was informed. The monthly management report circulated to the members said that promoters of the project had now been invited to submit a full business case. The proposal has been submitted to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) for consideration for funding under the INTERREG VA programme. Councillors were told that three other projects had also been invited to submit to Stage 2: Manorhamilton to Enniskillen, Donegal-Derry and Newry-Omeath. “The Stage 2 business plan must be submitted to SEUPB by April 22,” the report added. “Results of the assessment process are due in mid-October.” Fianna Fáil’s Pádraig McNally asked if there were any plans to develop greenways elsewhere in the county. He expressed the belief that a proposal in relation to Carrickmacross was in its early stages. Director of Services Paul Clifford said the Co Council was developing cycle strategies for Castleblayney and Carrickmacross, and would be looking to leverage funding from the Dept of Transport for sustainable transport initiatives.