Mr. Eamonn O'Sullivan:

I will address if I may the question to Mr. Hegarty and me on Clontibret to the Border and Ballygawly to Aughnacloy. In the period 2017 to 2019, the statutory processes and final route selection for the Clontibret to the Border phase could be completed. Our latest estimate indicates that Monaghan County Council would require €1.6 million as project lead on behalf of TII to fast-track this process and get it down to preferred route selection, narrowing it from a current corridor of 400 m to approximately 50 m to 100 m. It would bring certainty. Obviously, within the same period, we would dovetail with our colleagues on the northern side of the Border to ensure that the Ballygawly-Aughnacloy piece, which is essential, could also go through the same procedure. They are vital. The only obstacle to doing that is a financial allocation because we are quite prepared. As I mentioned earlier, I have staff. My road design team is ready, willing and able to take that on. It has readily been identified by my council and councillors as a key priority not just for County Monaghan but for the region. It is a strategic piece of infrastructure that is urgently needed. It is already long overdue, to be honest, and, in light of the changes this year, it has become even more essential to deliver it for the region. As to local government changes from 2014 on the northern side of the Border, we are now developing the links in relation to cross-Border co-operation. They have become more important than ever and we are willing to work hand in glove with our counterparts in Fermanagh and Omagh to ensure that this receives the priority it deserves.