Coalisland Canal Walkway Officially Launched
Mid Ulster District Council today (3 June 2026) marked a significant milestone for the Coalisland community with the official launch of the newly enhanced walkway along the Coalisland Canal, following the successful delivery of improvements funded through the COVID Small Settlements Scheme.
The celebration event brought together elected representatives, council officers, funders, community groups, and local residents to formally open the revitalised walkway and acknowledge the contribution it will make to community life in the area.
The COVID Small Settlements Scheme was established by the Department for Communities (DfC) to direct investment from three departments, DfC, The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) into smaller communities that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to regenerate public spaces and improve outdoor amenity provision. The Coalisland Canal Walkway project was identified as a priority scheme given the historic and environmental significance of the canal corridor and the recognised need to improve access and safety along the route for walkers, cyclists, and families.
Works delivered as part of the scheme included a landscaping make-over, with new grass and paved areas, raised planters installed, new shrubs and trees planted, new bins and seating added, while new cycle racks and new feature signage have been created at the entrance to Gortgonis.
Minister for Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “The Small Settlements Regeneration Programme is a great example of how inter-departmental can deliver real change for rural communities. I am delighted that my department was able to contribute to this programme in Coalisland which has transferred the local landscape and increased opportunities for outdoor activity and active travel. I hope the local community enjoy these improvements and will be encouraged to consider active travel methods for their shorter everyday journeys.”
Speaking at the launch, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Deirdre Varsani said:
This is a truly wonderful day for Coalisland and the surrounding communities. The canal walkway is a cherished local asset, and thanks to this investment through the COVID Small Settlements Scheme by the Department for Infrastructure, the towpath has been transformed into an accessible space that everyone can enjoy safely and comfortably. Tá súil againn go dtéann níos mó daoine amach agus taitneamh a bhaint as an gceantar agus na h-áiseanna feabhsaithe / We hope that even more people go out and enjoy the area and facilities.
Councillor Varsani also outlined the importance of the scheme in the context of the council’s wider commitment to community wellbeing and outdoor recreation. The improvements align directly with the council’s Community Plan priorities around health, active living, and place-making, and are expected to see a significant increase in footfall and use of the canal corridor throughout the year.
The Coalisland Canal holds deep historical significance for the area, as part of the Tyrone Navigation — one of Ireland’s earliest inland waterways. The enhanced walkway will support tourism as well as everyday recreation, complementing other regeneration initiatives in the town and contributing to the broader visitor experience of the Mid Ulster district.