Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that cross-Border co-operation in the transport area could deliver practical benefits to commuters in both jurisdictions. We need only consider what we are doing in the tourism area where both jurisdictions are working together successfully to deliver more than either could deliver on its own. In regard to fares and ticketing integration, discussions are under way but because the Northern Ireland Executive and its transport bodies are perhaps considering introducing a new ticketing system, we will have to let that work take place and allow them to make their decisions on how they want to do that. When that happens, I would hope there would be further opportunities for integration but that is a matter for them to work on.

With regard to cross-Border co-operation, I would respectfully say that one would not find many better examples of that than the €21 million European Union funding that both Administrations worked together to secure, the benefits of which can be seen in the co-funding of the new viaduct and the new rolling carriage that is available on the Belfast to Dublin rail line.

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