The Irish Independent (subscription required) reports that the Ulster Canal Greenway project has been put on pause due to rising costs.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Phase 2 project was launched in September 2017 to much fanfare — with EU funding contributing to the €4.95 million secured for the route between Smithborough in Co Monaghan and Middletown in Co Armagh.

However, four years on and no ground has been broken on the scheme due to a significant rise in the estimated costs associated with the walking and cycle way.

The greenway is intended to complement the Ulster Canal which is the subject of a multimillion euro restoration project. Last year significant funding from the Shared Island Fund was released to support the implementation of Phase 2 of that project.

Meanwhile, a public consultation on Phase 3 of the greenway from Smithborough to Clones has been launched.

A public drop-in session was held last Tuesday 26 October at Smithborough Community Hall and the next will take place this Wednesday 3 November at Clones Courthouse from 5pm-8pm. For more see the consultation brochure HERE.