Mr. Eugene Cummins:

I understand that. What is missing is that the project seems to have slipped in importance and significance nationally and between the two Governments. This is a very important project and the future development of the region is being restricted. In Monaghan we must identify funding to progress the design and shadow the work that has been done by the Roads Service Northern Ireland in terms of its advancement of the A5 part of the project. We must follow that and perfect the design in order to address the issue raised by Mr. Pat Doherty, MP, in a timely fashion. I agree with Councillor Conlon that we must be ready when funds become available. The road will have to be built at some stage and not unlike a house or other simple project one must have a design and secure permission before it can go ahead. The early identification of the €1.5 million from Monaghan is badly needed to bring us back up to speed with our colleagues in the Roads Service Northern Ireland. There is an excellent working relationship between our colleagues in the North and ourselves. Both sides are totally at one in wishing to advance the project because it is urgently required.