Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Aughey for the presentation. It was really useful. The historical and generational neglect of the broader north-west region, including its transport and infrastructure, is so stark when seen in the terms presented.

Significant work has been done on the Dublin–Belfast economic corridor. There was a major conference just a few weeks ago that brought the councils along the corridor and other key stakeholders together. From my time in Belfast City Council, I am aware that it is quite arduous to get all the relevant people around the table to have a stake in the issue of better rail connectivity and a range of other associated economic, social and infrastructural issues. I am wondering about the status of the proposal. Is there a push to try to bring together local government representatives, political representatives and the chambers of commerce on the proposal? From my perspective as someone who has been somewhat involved with the Belfast–Dublin link, I contend that it has been quite difficult but we have certainly seen positive movement. I just want a better understanding of the status of the proposal.