Temporary closure for Coalisland Canal

COALISLAND Canal will be temporarily closed for five days as Mid Ulster District Council prepare to dredge the water in an attempt to clean up the area for the benefit of the public.

The public pathway between Lineside and the Moore Road will be closed from today (Monday) as dredging works will attempt to remove tyre, trolleys and other material that are in the water.

As well as being unsightly for those living beside and using the canal, the current state of the waterway is having a negative impact on the health of its ecosystem.

Local councillor, Malachy Quinn, said he ‘100 per-cent’ welcomes the clean-up for the area.

He said, “Having the canal cleaned out and cleared up will make a nicer job of the area in general.

“It’s been a long discussion with committees and officers that I have personally raised before, so I’m happy to see the council taking action.

“Despite the fact that it is a very popular walking site, it is currently very unsightly because a lot of junk has been dumped in the water.

“The area itself is the pride of the town and the overall district. It has the potential to be an absolute jewel in the centre of Mid Ulster.

“In the past there have been a few smaller clean-ups here and there, but this is the first time it will be closed for five days.”

Cllr Quinn added, “I welcome this 100 per-cent as it is something I have campaigned for before and it will inevitably be something for the public to enjoy when the job is done.”