Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests. I know Ms Martin very well because she is my county manager. She is a very committed public servant. I welcome the work and co-operation between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and County Louth. The infrastructural improvements are important. I also welcome the community and business involvement and the links between the chambers of commerce. The project would be hugely beneficial, not just to both counties but also to tourism and business generally.

I fully support the project. I echo the Vice Chairman's call for clarification on what steps we need to take. The Taoiseach visited the area approximately a year ago and there were hundreds of people in attendance. He engaged with them on their needs, concerns and support for the project. There is no doubt the project is critically important. I accept that it will cost a lot of money. The initial cost was seriously exceeded. It was strange that the money that was available was known before the job was priced. The technical and professional people will advise on the solution but I am 100% behind it.

The Vice Chairman is aware that I have a reason to leave early. I am obliged to travel to Belfast to attend to some business. I apologise for having to leave now but I fully support everything relating to the project and I am happy to help in any way.