Ms Olga Fitzpatrick:

I thank members for listening to us and their support. There is no point in reiterating what has been said. We are all on the same page when it comes to supporting the bridge project, but I wish to make two points which have not been made. The first relates to the historical implications of the bridge. This will be the first bridge to be built between southern Ireland and Northern Ireland since the formation of the State. That is a momentous development which will help to increase tourism. People will come to see the bridge because of its historical implications. The second point is that tourists who arrive in Dublin or Belfast usually stay on the motorway and do not come off it to visit our area. However, the bridge will provide an incentive for them to come and visit. This will increase the level of tourism in the area.