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

I thank the Minister. As he is aware, unfortunately, we do not have a rail network in the south of Ulster. Our industry is predominantly indigenous and composed of agrifood and construction products. Those sectors of the economy are more dependent on the sterling export area than any other sector in this country. The Border region is more heavily dependent on indigenous industry, which is also more heavily dependent on the sterling area for the export of products. In order to assist enterprises in agrifood, construction and other sectors that have built up good businesses through very difficult times we must try to ensure that we assist those companies to remain competitive. The fluctuation in sterling, Brexit, tariffs and border controls will add to the costs for companies and in order to assist them to maintain their current employment levels, which they built up in very difficult circumstances, the Government must give a clear message by investing in particular projects in the entire Border region. The area I am concerned about is the counties of Cavan and Monaghan. I bring to the attention of the Minister that the road network there needs upgrading.

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