Lagan Corridor Project

River Lagan

What is the Lagan Corridor Project?

The River Lagan has played a central part in the history of Belfast, helping it to become one of the greatest ports in Europe and one of the UK's leading manufacturing centres by the end of the 19th century.

So, as the renaissance of Belfast gathers pace, it seems only right that the Lagan is restored to its former glory, allowing the city and its people to once again make full use of this most valuable resource.

What are the main aims of the project?

Corridor Project (see Lagan Restoration Trust) was initiated in 2006 to rejuvenate the waterway. Over the next few years, around 17 kilometres of the Lagan Navigation, from Belfast to Lisburn, will be re-opened.

Survey work is already underway to build a new lock and footbridge at Lock One at Stranmillis Weir, while it is planned to re-open two more locks in the near future, extending full waterway use right up to the City of Lisburn.

The future

In the long term, an even more exciting prospect is projected. Plans are under consideration to open the Lagan Corridor as far as Lough Neagh, where it will link up with the Shannon and Erne Waterway, through the development of the Ulster Canal, allowing the possibility of connecting Belfast, Dublin and Limerick by canal.

How can I take part in the conservation of the canal?

Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland occasionally organise conservation programs.

For further information, please visit www.cvni.org/contactus/belfast/belfast.html