Ms Margaret Richie:

Many Deputies and Senators have asked what we can do, in practical terms, to move the project forward. The two Governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. We have already spoken to the Taoiseach and representations have been made on an individual basis to Prime Minister Cameron. The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister must act together to bring pressure to bear on the Northern Ireland Executive in order that the remaining funding will be released. This would allow for the construction of the bridge within the short timeframe for delivery. If the project is not delivered in time, there could be consequences. We would appear pretty damn foolish in the eyes of the European Commission and the European Union if money had to be returned. That cannot happen. We must approach the two Prime Ministers to put pressure on the Northern Ireland Executive. By all means, we should write to the Executive to outline why the bridge needs to be delivered. I would send a copy of the letter to every Minister in the Executive.