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

That is a key aspect. People are fed up of long daily commutes. According to the CSO, residents in east Meath have the longest commuting times in the country. The average commute is one hour and 30 minutes. I appreciate, however, that Mr. Foley might not be aware of that. Major issues exist in Drogheda and east Meath. A new focus on the overall development of both communities is necessary. Closer alignment of the two councils is suggested within proposed legislation. Joined-up thinking and incisive and decisive actions is needed. I appreciate the departmental officials listening to us, and we understand their theoretical position.

We need to really put a bomb under the Department on this issue because east Meath and Drogheda are a timebomb as the area is developing without adequate infrastructure. That is certainly the case for Julianstown.