Mr. Seán Conlon:

I welcome the words of endorsement and indications of support from all of the elected representatives in attendance. The consultation process relating to this matter was exhaustive and extensive.

Three routes emerged and one was chosen. The route goes up towards the Border. However issues arise in the area of the Tully Bog on the Aughnacloy to Ballygawley stretch of road. That means the last part in Monaghan is not yet definitive. The substantive part of the route has been chosen. Up to 99% of the route has been defined and identified. Senator White addressed the issue thoroughly. The problem is that the corridor area is 400 m wide, which is causing distress for land owners, farmers and those whose son or daughter wishes to build on family land. A 400 m corridor of land from Clontibret to the Border has been sterilised and no development of any kind is allowed on it, be it agricultural or residential. We are making an appeal, in addition to what has been previously said on a strategic plan for funding in the coming years, namely, that in Donegal and Monaghan the process in terms of issues that are outside the constraints of the judicial process and the requirements relating to the environment, could be fast-tracked and made more shovel-ready. We have made representations to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, on the Monaghan part of the route, and he is aware of the issue. The matter is on his desk. The provision of €1.5 million could mean the corridor width could be reduced from 400 m to 100 m and the design phase would be completed. The intention is that the project could be shovel-ready. That would alleviate many of the pressures that have arisen due to the intention to have a sterilised corridor of 400 m, which is almost 0.5 km wide.