Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Without wandering too far from the Bill, I will comment briefly on the Narrow Water bridge. Deputy Ó Murchú will be aware of the announcement yesterday that the project is to go to tender and that it is being shared by the shared island fund. The Taoiseach has a particular interest in this project. I met the Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, on Monday. She also has a very keen interest in the project. I understand Louth County Council will have a central role in it. I would not rule out the application of European funding. The European Council recently held a debate on TEN-T connectivity, but I am not certain that this would apply. Increasingly, funding under TEN-T is being focused in other areas.

In terms of the road safety aspect, there is huge potential for development of tourism in the Carlingford Cooley Peninsula and the Mournes in particular, both of which are stunning locations for walking and cycling. How we create safe road conditions in Carlingford for cyclists and walkers will be critical. To be honest, I am nervous about the increasing traffic volumes that sometimes come with new road connectivity. While I understand fully the symbolic and other importance of this project, my intention, on a road safety basis, would be to examine how we can make the Mournes and Carlingford Cooley Peninsula a haven for active travel tourism. This is where I will be focusing the efforts of my Department.

On the other issue, I cannot add to what I said earlier. Let us work together in the coming days to examine all options and create as safe a system as possible.