Mr. Seamus Ó Domhnaill:

We very much appreciate the support, empathy and above all understanding that was shown today. Our region is operating under a very particular set of circumstances. Ms McCallion is most familiar with those issues because she represents the area and works closely with Donegal County Council and within the grouping. It is heartening to hear a group of people with influence say that they are here to support us and to work with us, because we feel we are doing great work and making a difference, not just in the region we represent but, as the Vice Chairman said, overseas and beyond by showing people what we have to offer, how we can offer it and what is available if they decide to return. We also give opportunities to businesses and economic drivers in our own region. We have worked hard at that in recent years. It would not have come about if not for the fact that both chief executives were comfortable with each other and confident enough in themselves to realise that this was not about their own jurisdictions and their own jobs but the people in the entire region. The political representatives followed, based on the confidence shown by the chief executives, and we commend them very highly for that.

We now find ourselves in a position where decisions which have not been taken by anyone anywhere on this island may impact more on the region we represent than any other region in all of Europe. As Deputy Smith said, we are going to champion the region. We are resilient and we believe in what we have to offer. Indeed, we believe what we have to offer is as good as anywhere else in Europe. Broadband speeds, for example, in Donegal and Derry are on par with the broadband speeds in Europe, thanks to Project Kelvin. People do not necessarily understand that about the region; Donegal is seen as rural. Derry, of course, is a city. We have things we can celebrate, sell and champion, and we will do that irrespective of the decisions taken and the impacts they have on us. All we are seeking from this committee and the rest of the Oireachtas is a little support, co-operation and funding to allow us to realise our full potential. This is not for us but for the people in that area.

I thank the members of the committee for their input and their kind, supportive words. We look forward to a good, bright, forward-thinking future for all of the people in our area. We look at things such as rail connections between Derry and Letterkenny and transport hubs in Letterkenny. We have considered the need for the Waterside transport hub and how it will benefit all of the people of the region. As Deputy Smith, Ms McCallion and others have said, the A5 is integral to anything we will do and anything we will be able to achieve. We want to stress that point. I thank the members for the time they have taken and for the invitation to be here, and I thank my colleagues for their co-operation and their concise and precise presentations.