Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make a few observations on a couple of projects, in particular the Narrow Water Bridge. They may have been made before I came in, so I will not labour them. Perhaps the Minister might consider them. The Narrow Water Bridge affects my constituency of Louth, the constituency of Meath-East, the constituency of Mr. Murphy and other constituencies along the east coast. The potential of that project does not need labouring and has been discussed ad infinitumat Louth County Council. Indeed, this body has visited there more than a few times. I would like to reiterate the disappointment felt that the project did not go ahead. We were at the point where there was every possibility that it would move forward, so there was great disappointment.

We need medium-term and long-term planning in regard to these projects. I will make a couple of observations on which I would like to hear the Minister's views.We need a working group to deal with beneficial cross-Border projects, such as the A5, the Narrow Water Bridge and projects with lesser potential but with potential. Is there the possibility of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the corresponding body in Stormont establishing a funding subhead for all cross-Border projects so that on an annual basis, each Department would set aside some resources which would be ring-fenced specifically for this purpose? Every year, two years or three years, prioritising projects might be considered. In many ways, there is a parallel here with what the Central Bank of Ireland has done in regard to mortgages in that one needs to have a certain amount saved before one can get a mortgage. If some resources could be set aside - it would not have to be a huge amount - it would retain the commitment that these projects will be addressed.

I realise that there are political frameworks to be dealt with. They are fluid and will change with the passage of time. Assuming that there is a meeting of minds on the designs for the projects, these issues will come down to the availability of resources. The working group, which embraces technical rather than political aspects, will make considerable progress on agreeing the technical aspects. The A5 is a good example. It is very challenging and it is a long distance from Aughnacloy to Lifford. Much of the groundwork could be achieved over time. A great deal of time has been spent on the design work for the Narrow Water Bridge. The technical people have refined it and there are few opportunities to modify the plans. It is a single phase project. Other projects can be accomplished in several phases.

In respect of the working group, with its emphasis on technical people, let us establish the degree of commitment for this type of work North and South and establish a funding sub-head in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the parallel department in Stormont.