By Cliona Connolly
cliona@monaghanpost.com

CLONES Regeneration Partnership will host a hands-on, practical, one day conference highlighting opportunities for investment in Clones next month. This conference will aim to highlight the opportunities for investment in Clones in view of the re-opening of the Ulster Canal.

Shortly after announcing the restoration of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones, Minister for Community, Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv, said:

“Canal restoration projects have been shown to act as the catalyst for significant regeneration of rural communities in the past, including tourism growth.”

Clones Regeneration Partnership believes it is vital that Clones seizes the opportunities the canal restoration offers and would hope that many new private enterprises will be up and running when the Canal re-opens.

The partnership believes the development of a marina at the canal is crucial to the overall investment in the town. Minister O Cuiv stressed the importance of a successful regeneration of Clone in conjunction with the canal as a determining factor in the restoration of the canal from Clones to Lough Neagh.

The conference will be a practical benefit to property developers, architects, engineers, estate agents, those in the tourism and service industry as well as those in advisory roles. This unique conference is expected to draw the region’s most eminent and knowledgeable speakers. Speakers already confirmed include Chief Executive of Monaghan County Enterprise Board John McEntaggart, Director of Marketing and Communications Martin Dennany and Colin Becker of Inland Waterways.

This seminar takes place in the Cuil Darach, Clones on 19 June from 9am-4.30pm. Those interested in attending should contact Noelle Brannigan on 047 52997 or email forumcl@gofree.indigo.ie.