Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In my area of east Cavan, there is a high level of industry. We have Abbott, Lakeland Dairies and Cartons, all of which are hugely dependent on good road infrastructure. The Minister talked about the local authorities and Revenue going to them. My own local authority has been down significant funds over the past years. I take account of the fact that the Minister is new to his position and that this is not his fault. However, the local authority is down at least 50% in the investment that has been made by Revenue into our local authority. Therefore, the money is not currently with the local authority. The N3 has brought great benefits to Cavan and the surrounding area. It has opened up Bailieborough, Kingscourt, Virginia and Cavan town.

The access has been of huge economic benefit. This new east-west link, if it was to progress, would offer huge benefits also to west Cavan. Not too long ago I attended a committee meeting at which we discussed the exodus of young people and business from west Cavan because of the lack of infrastructure such as roads. This is an opportunity for the Minister.

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