Ms ?mer Deane:

We would go back to this being a matter for the programme for Government or for the national development plan. This is a matter for prioritisation at that level and in terms of the all-island rail review, that is something that is still at an early stage. That is where the shared island unit seeks to implement the priorities of the Government that relate to cross-Border co-operation where we see we can add value. We will continue to watch that space and connect with the Department of Transport here and its equivalent in the North to see, as they progress and outline their priorities, whether there are areas where we could assist.

The Senator mentioned the Narrow Water Bridge and I agree, going back to local authorities, that Louth County Council has been very important in driving that forward. We are hopeful that Louth will bring it through to that final point by awarding a tender in the coming weeks. From a shared island perspective, we will then be assisting them to ensure delivery within the coming years.