Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

All our guests and representatives from the nine areas we are talking about are very welcome. As a Deputy representing the constituency of Sligo-Leitrim and a former councillor in that area, I am very well familiar with and very aware of the deficiencies we have had in the area. Our guests are highlighting issues in both the North and the South. It is wonderful to have them here because it is an opportunity to engage with them and their colleagues on the local authorities and talk about issues, particularly infrastructure. I see the divide between the east and the west, particularly the north-west, the investment and what has taken place in recent years. I have always said we do not have any such investment in our area, unfortunately. A very fine announcement was made to me last week on the N4, that is, the road between Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon. There is to be an upgrade costing €121 million which will start very shortly. There are, however, many other areas within our constituencies that lack funding and the initiative to get moving. Infrastructural investment other than roads and so on was mentioned. Our guests have been before the committee before and members have listened to their concerns, and there are major concerns in the areas raised. Not only road infrastructure, but also broadband was highlighted. Broadband is a major issue for businesses and indeed everyone living in the areas affected. This must be dealt with. Greenways offer huge tourism potential. Reference was made to the Sligo-Enniskillen road through Manorhamilton, the greenway in my area and cycling and walking. These are the ways forward. Mr. McCreesh is right that we need not only investment, but also clarity as to where this funding can be made available, particularly with a no-deal Brexit. We have spoken about the lack of INTERREG funding at some of our recent meetings. That is an issue. I refer also to the economic development of our area. We are talking about the Border areas. They are vitally important. I speak to haulage contractors who are very concerned, and have been for many years, but are more concerned now with the possible prospect of a no-deal Brexit happening very shortly. I would appreciate if our guests could comment on some of these issues.