Mr. Conor Murphy:

I apologise for missing the Minister's presentation. I had responsibility for some of these matters in a previous Executive in the North and am well acquainted with the strategic significance of the A5, not just for the north-west region but the island as a whole. It is one of the last major routes that needs to be connected to the capital city. I welcomed very much the commitment of the Irish Government to these projects on the back of the agreement at Stormont at Christmas.

I know others made the case in regard to the A5 and I heard some of the Minister's responses, but I would like to focus, in particular, on the Narrow Water Bridge. I listened to the Minister's response in regard to the role of Louth County Council. I represent the area and there was significant disappointment because it had got so close to the line. The money was on the table from the SEUPB. The Executive in the North and the Government here had made offers, private money had been made available and both councils were involved, but we still fell short. I know there was an issue in terms of the specifications of the contract and the actual cost at the end, but we came so close to getting something for which people in the area had lobbied so much. It would be an iconic connection between North and South and would very much reflect the growing connectivity and the growing North-South business on the island. Most of us are Border representatives and we know the importance of these projects in an area which is opening up significantly to tourism, in particular south Down and the Mournes. The facilities there have been opening up quite substantially. The addition of the bridge would have a huge impact on the area in terms of bringing business to it.

I noted the Minister's response in terms of Louth County Council continuing to have lead responsibility, which is correct. We will try to get back to the stage at which we were and get the project over the line. My local council, Newry and Mourne District Council, which will become Newry, Mourne and Down District, is involved with Louth Council Council. Part of the support for this will have to come from the EU. The Government and the Minister's Department could have a significant influence in terms of the level of EU support being made available to Louth County Council for the project, which may have the effect of getting it over the line. The differential in the prices between North and South might have an impact of reducing the price of the project. Could I get an assurance from the Minister that he will continue to work with Louth County Council, the lead partner, to try to use whatever influence the Government here has in the European Union, whether through INTERREG or the funds that might become available through the SEUPB, to ensure there is a significant commitment from Europe, which will finally get this project over the line?