§ David BurnsideTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made with regard to the establishment of the Ulster Canal. [178621]
§ Angela SmithThe updated Economic Appraisal on reopening the Ulster Canal in its entirety is currently with both Governments for consideration. As re-opening is not viable in purely monetary terms, it will be difficult to secure Government funding for this significant capital project. I welcome the supporting efforts of organisations such as the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland whose application for INTERREG III(A) funding to re-open a south-western section of the Ulster Canal is proceeding through the assessment system.