REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE RESTORATION OF THE STRABANE SHIP CANAL
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE RESTORATION OF THE STRABANE SHIP CANAL THURSDAY, 30TH MARCH, 2006
Is cúis mhór áthais dom bheith anseo i bhur measc inniu.
Thank you for your welcome and thanks to Pat McCourt for his kind invitation which brings me to the launch of the Strabane-Lifford Development Commission Canal Restoration Project.
This project of renewal links the eighteenth and twenty-first centuries, turning our minds back to those days in 1791 when the forebears of the present Duke of Abercorn commenced the construction of a ship canal that would put Strabane and Lifford right into the global marketplace. The twin towns flourished thanks to the canal but its economic impact was eventually overwhelmed by road and rail, by lorry and car. In recent decades it fell into decay and became an object of pity rather than progress. Over the years I am sure many who saw the decline get deeper and deeper remarked on what a lost jewel it was and how much it still had to contribute if only someone would be its champion.
The Strabane Lifford Development Commission became that champion. Building on its huge success as a significant player in local regeneration since 1993, the Commission has added this flagship project to its list of contributions to the economic enhancement of the area. The idea of the project has been around for some considerable time, so the journey to today had been long, tedious, frustrating but ultimately worthwhile. Funding of €1.3 million was secured with the generous assistance of the EU under its INTERREG III programme, the International Fund for Ireland, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council. This great partnership and joint effort will see the opening of 1.6 miles of the canal, the restoration of two historic locks, the provision of walkways and bird hides and the creation of an exciting cross border amenity linking Tirconaill and Tyrone in prosperity and in pride. The rebuilding work will itself contribute to the experience and skills base of all who take part and of course when it is finished the commercial and tourism potential of this beautiful historic area will have been lifted to a higher level.
Despite the great setback of losing everything in a fire on 15th January this year, the Commission continued in business with the great dedication of its staff and direct assistance from Donegal County Council. And I’m glad to see that you got your just reward on 3rd March, when you were recognised as one of the top cross border organisations in an awards scheme promoted by Daily Ireland. I congratulate you on both your tenacity and success.
Although created by, and for, the industrial revolution, inland waterways have a very special slowed down quality. It was of course the speed at which they operated which eventually cost them their commercial role but ironically today it is that very same pace, which in a hectic world makes them so attractive to those in search of peace and tranquillity, nature at her very best. But before that new vocation dawns for the restored Strabane ship canal - it has to actually be restored so today marks the end of the planning phase and the start of the delivery phase. So up ahead is a lot of hard work by many different organisations and individuals but I have no doubt that their work will be brought to a resoundingly successful conclusion.
I would like to express my appreciation once again to everyone involved in the project and wish you all every success in the future.
It now gives me great pleasure to officially launch this project.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.