Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister rightly referred to the strategic study undertaken in the early 2000s that identified the potential of the route and the need for it to run through Sligo, Manorhamilton, Enniskillen, Belturbet, Cavan and Cootehill. In the meantime, the Cavan and Belturbet bypasses were constructed. They are integral parts of this route. In 2009, Cavan County Council, as the lead local authority, along with Monaghan and Louth county councils, appointed consultants with specific reference to the part of the route relating to Cavan, Cootehill, Shercock, Carrickmacross and Dundalk. Substantial money has already been spent on planning and design.

We will all go around in circles attending meetings about Brexit and the challenges it poses. The Minister needs funding to bring infrastructure up to a standard, particularly in the Border region where, for historical reasons, there was under-investment due to the Troubles on our doorstep. If our industries are to have any chance of remaining competitive with the particular challenges facing us in the Border area due to Brexit, we need modern infrastructure. People will ask what the Government should do in advance of Brexit. One thing it should do is make additional investment in necessary infrastructure to try to assist enterprises that already exist and create very valuable employment.

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