Vice Chairman:

I thank the witnesses for a frank presentation. In welcoming them, I said that this demonstrates the level of interest in respect of the project. The witnesses have suggested that we write to the two Ministers responsible for transport and communicate with the North-South Ministerial Council about bringing the review to a conclusion, one way or another. I described the importance of the project as being tríocha cúig bliain ag fás but I am moving it now to daichead bliain ag fás, or 40 years growing. I am constrained today in what I would like to say as I am sitting as Vice Chairman. There is much passion about this project and many people despair about how it might be brought forward because there have been so many stops and starts along the way. The crossing of Narrow Water was described as being of strategic priority from an economic and, in particular, a tourism perspective. The critical mass of the Down, Mourne, Cooley and Gullion region has been described passionately by me and I will continue to do that. There are immense tourism opportunities and I have said it could be the Kerry of the North. I will continue to say that. I suppose the Troubles have not helped us in creating that tourism mass but it is very important that we welcome the participation and co-operation which is happening and which was outlined by the witnesses. They described how two local authorities have faced each other for many years and particularly with regard to the memorandum of understanding.

I laud that work, particularly the role of East Border Region, in helping that process. I also acknowledge the public representatives, both North and South, who have faced each other to try to deal with a myriad of issues. We must seek a commitment - and not just a verbal commitment - to see this project through, either as a transport and infrastructure project or a tourism project. Some crossing must be constructed across the lough in order to progress the aims and ambitions of everybody living in the region who wants, regardless of Brexit, to see the spirit of co-operation continue. I thank the witnesses and members for their participation.