Mr. Paddy Mathews:

I am involved in tourism and see this as a major benefit to us. As far as we are concerned, tourists do not venture as far as the Border because the infrastructures are not linked in the way they could be. As the owner of a transport company which regularly operates on both sides of the Border to accommodate day-long and extended tours, I see the benefits of the new markets which could be opened up. My company brings the message on cross-Border tourism to trade shows all across the United States. There are five American tours travelling around the area. We will be on a further trade mission from 5 to 17 June which will target states on the west coast of America such as Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, etc.

It is important to highlight the peace dimension of this matter. Three of the tours to which I refer are from the University of Georgia, Allegheny College and the University of Pittsburgh. Those on the tours are studying the effects of the Good Friday Agreement on our shared history in the Border area, the undiscovered jewel in the crown of Irish tourism. We need to encourage as many people as possible to experience both sides of it. The tourism potential is huge. These two beautiful areas which span County Louth and south County Down bring an additional focus on Carlingford Lough and its environs. The bridge would improve connectivity between the new Boyne Valley drive in counties Louth and Meath and the Mourne coastal drive, as well as being an attraction in its own right. We have invested heavily in this project and hope it will go ahead.