Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman, I am not formally a member of the committee for the next hour or so. I am glad to be here to support the delegation from the north west. I congratulate Councillor John Campbell on his recent election to the position of cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council.

From now on I will be a member of this committee. There is no doubt the Chairman and members have supported this project as much as possible and this will continue. The current period of environmental impact assessments will allow for intensive lobbying regarding the new capital programmes here and in the Six Counties. The lobbying can ensure there is firm financial commitment to the project.

The case for the need for this has been well made. It is a stark issue when one looks at the map and the people of Donegal have always been aware of it. The map shows the vital need for connections to the north west. I look forward to working with the committee to lobby for this project and I wish the delegates all the best in their pursuit of this goal.