Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I note from the Taoiseach's earlier reply to this series of questions that he has agreed that the single biggest issue of concern to people in the BMW region is infrastructure in all its aspects. Can I deduce from what the Taoiseach said that he accepts that people in our region are rightly concerned that despite Objective One status, the promised peace dividend and the establishment of a regional assembly that the entire region, especially the Border counties, feel they are being left far behind the east and the south of the island in terms of infrastructural development?

Will the Taoiseach advise what steps he is prepared to take? He indicated some intent of redressing the imbalance in terms of major projects to be undertaken. Will he outline what further steps he is prepared to take to address this imbalance to ensure the Border counties, the midlands and the west will get their fair share, not only on a continuum but in terms of the catch-up and what is overdue in addressing the imbalance in investment that has taken place over a considerable period? What action will the Taoiseach take to remedy it and will the Government instruct, advise or encourage the NRA to ensure that in its particular area of responsibility projects earmarked for the BMW region will be given priority in the coming years?

What steps can be taken to ensure that there is a significant improvement in the roll-out of broadband into the BMW region?

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