Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in welcoming the Minister and his official and thank him for his presentation, knowledge of the situation and frankness, which is always a good basis for a proper discussion. I may not be able to wait to hear the response as I must make a Second Stage contribution in the Dáil. I will read the blacks later with interest as this matter is very relevant to the constituency I represent. The broad point which does not need elaboration but merits brief mention is that the Border area has suffered hugely over the years. That is reflected in a lower standard of living, higher unemployment and other difficulties. A major step in re-establishing normality is to develop the roads infrastructure and establish proper connectivity between North and South to allow people to travel both ways with ease. It is about getting normal commerce going to restore normal life. I also note that there are no air, rail or motorway links from the north west to Dublin as matters stand.

While the Minister was not able to make a specific promise today, I detected in his contribution a note of hope and an indication that he looks forward to being back shortly with good news. I urge him to do that at the earliest possible opportunity and to revert to the committee with positive news. My colleague, Deputy Seán Conlan, gives a very good exposition on the entire road network and the inadequacies North and South. He mentioned health and safety and the risk to life and limb around Emyvale and the need for emergency works there. I support him in that and ask the Minister to consider Deputy Conlan's suggestion. He has an immediate knowledge of the matter. I support the N2 section of the Clontibret to Aughnacloy road going to design stage and receiving funding as has been requested by Monaghan County Council. I record my support for the project and appeal to the Minister to bring it to fruition. If I recall correctly from our meeting with the personnel there, it will cost €1.5 million to carry out the design work. I urge the Minister to facilitate that as soon as the money can be made available.

As a person with an in-depth knowledge of economics, the Minister will know that with the fall in the value of the euro against sterling, there is a huge economic opportunity for the southern side of the Border region to sell into Northern Ireland and the UK at retail and every level. It is a reversal of fortune, which happens occasionally including now and presents a great opportunity for the southern end to prosper. In so far as this meeting is being observed, I urge retailers and manufacturers on the southern side to grasp that opportunity, in particular through the use of the Internet. There is a great opportunity to make Internet sales. I mention the matter for two reasons. It merits mention in its own right and it underlines the importance of a normal infrastructure including proper roads and connections. Proper roads facilitate economic activity. If we had a better road structure, the potential for Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Donegal to benefit from the current economic opportunity would be much greater.

The case for the infrastructure is a compelling one. I detect hope and a certain imminence on projects and look forward to the Minister coming back to us. We all want to get out of where we were and into a new mental space away from the dreadful five or six years we have been through. I look forward to the day the Minister comes back with an announcement.