675 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to the re-opening of the Ulster Canal; the timescale envisaged for restoration of the canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14130/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the restoration of the Ulster Canal is identified in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 as one of the Government's priorities for all-island co-operation and work is already under way to explore the possibility of restoring the canal to provide a major inland waterway for the border region. My Department continues to liaise with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland with a view to taking this work forward.