John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before the Minister goes, in relation to Brexit, we have had many discussions about it, not as much today because as the Minister pointed out, much of it is unknown. In terms of upcoming infrastructural investment outside of the east coast and the Dublin area in particular, the need for direct access by sea to the Continent rather than through Britain means an expansion in investment is required in the Minister's part of the world, namely Foynes, where he is originally from and a deep sea port potentially in the north west, which I heard spoken about yesterday, in my own area in the south east, Rosslare, for passenger traffic and Waterford Port for freight. There are knock-on consequences in terms of investment in road infrastructure in particular. The Minister will be slightly familiar with the Limerick to Waterford road which is no more than a cow track in parts. I know of no other national primary road that passes through as many towns and villages as that one. I also draw the Minister's attention to the Limerick to Cork road, which he mentioned, and the Cork to Waterford road, which requires upgrading. As we face into Brexit, but also in terms of rebalancing some of the economic growth in the country as well, is there not a significant argument for investment in regional infrastructure being more necessary now than ever?