According to the Irish Times, writing about Clones:
[…] But people are trying hard to turn the tide: cleaning its buildings, promoting its hand-made lace, and hoping that the Monaghan part of the Ulster Canal will be re-opened.
The latter was a promise of former taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Clones is endearingly resistant to trends – it is still the proud capital of Irish country and western music although some admit that the best dancehall is Blacklion’s “ballroom of romance”.
I think Clones must be the last town in Ireland to cling to Bertie’s word.
Oh well, if Bertie says so ….
Irish waterways history 
If we could get Seanie Fitz to support the project simultaneously, a stake could be driven through the project’s heart very quickly.
Sean Quinn might have a few bob to spare too. bjg