Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I want to highlight a number of priorities in the Border counties and the mid and north-west area of the province of Ulster on a cross-Border basis. It is very important that in the preparation of the national development plan our transport plans are not made in isolation of the Six County area to the north-east of our country. The approach must be on an integrated all-Ireland basis.

The N2-A5 from Dublin to Derry and Donegal, which goes through County Monaghan, is an artery that needs to be substantively addressed by an upgrading to a high standard dual carriageway along significant sections of its length. This is imperative if we are to see the areas serviced by the N2 reach their natural potential and be able to compete in terms of attracting both indigenous and inward investors. It is also very important that we recognise there is a willingness to assist on the part of the European Commission, as indicated to me and my colleagues during a recent meeting with EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot in Strasburg.

We also need to address the need to upgrade the N3, through County Cavan in particular, and the importance of ensuring bypasses of Virginia and Belturbet. We must upgrade this road to a common standard as it makes its way through County Cavan towards the southern reaches of County Donegal.

I also wish to highlight the need for an east-west link from Dundalk to Sligo, by whatever bed is decided. This route would significantly service all of the counties along its length on a North-South basis and not from a Hadrian's Wall viewpoint, further copper-fastening partition. It is critically important we have this development and that we do not look at development on the island of Ireland focused as if on the spokes of a wheel coming to the hub in Dublin.

It is important also to immediately address the need to develop the Ballinacargy Bridge between Dundalk and Castleblayney, which services a significant volume of traffic and has been the scene of many serious accidents over the years.

It is important that the infrastructural developments I have highlighted and the many others I could highlight if I had more time should be seen not just in the context of a new national development plan but as an imperative of both Irish and British Governments in the context of the developing peace process. There must be a real dividend for the Border counties and the north-west of this island and this can best be expressed in critical infrastructural improvements that will allow the populations of these areas to at last compete on a more level playing field with the eastern seaboard and the southern reaches of the island of Ireland.

It is not only the issue of roads we need to address. We also need to look at the urgent requirement of rail transport to service this area. We should also remember that it is not only the main arteries that need investment. There is a critical need for significant investment in our local, regional and county roads and these are a priority that must be addressed. The people need to see a real difference.

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