Canal opening officially announced

Strabane District Council announced on Monday it will be officially opening a section of the canal in Ballymagorry for public access in June 2012 for the summer season. The ‘tow path’ aspect of the project will be opened initially following increasing demands for access to the ongoing restoration project.

Last week the Sentinel reported how the three hundred year old Strabane canal was due to be re-opened for the first time in 50 years this summer.

Strabane District Council has also announced that 408,785 euros has been secured to develop the project.

Chairperson of Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian McMahon, explained: “Strabane District Council has been working extremely hard to secure the funding and carry out the remedial works required to open this resource to the wider community.

“We are delighted to announce receipt of this Interreg funding which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. It will help develop this outdoor amenity to its full potential.

“Strabane District Council recognise that the Canal project will significantly add to our package of outdoor recreation areas and increase the tourism potential of this area.”

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