Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Fitzpatrick asked about the local improvement scheme, which I know is important to people, in particular those outside Dublin. Local roads have gone into disrepair and there has been a lack of funding for the repairs. This is a matter of great disappointment to many Deputies. As the committee is probably aware, it is now being given support in the programme for Government. While allocations may not and will not be ring-fenced, as they used to be, the local authorities can give local improvement scheme grants if they wish. Applications can be made and are being considered. The scheme is back.

I will leave the detail on the North-South road projects to my colleague, but the Narrow Water Bridge, which is an important project for Deputy Fitzpatrick and his constituency, is a matter of some disappointment as well.

It was meant to be launched in 2003. The Deputy may be familiar with the situation but when the the invitation for tenders was issued the amount of allocated funding was approximately €15 million but the tenders came in at approximately €40 million, so there was a huge funding gap that has never been met. As a result, the project has been in abeyance. There will be a North-South Ministerial Council meeting in Dublin Castle on Monday at which I will raise the issue. It is an important issue, particularly in light of Brexit. We cannot allow these projects to fall to one side, but this will be complicated by the possibility of some sort of Border controls. This particular project is important to the people of Louth and those across the Border and we will push for it to go ahead. There is a funding problem, but that does not mean we will not pursue it.

Deputy Fitzpatrick also asked about the greenways and mentioned Blackrock and Carlingford specifically. I am not familiar with them.