Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Over 400,000 visitors to Drogheda are expected during the fleadh. As the Minister knows, it is an internationally recognised festival with massive tourism potential. I contacted the Minister and we had our first meeting on 31 January. He was to get back to me by the end of February. I have contacted his office for a follow-up response on five occasions. That is a cowardly way to do business. I had to table a priority question today in order to get a response from the Minister. At my request, he gave a commitment that he would personally meet Celtic Roads Group to plead the case. Did he do that? What case did he make? Did he even press for a reduction in the tolls during the fleadh? We are talking about a one-week festival. The Minister said that there would be engagement with the Garda and the local authorities in respect of the effect of the slip road toll. I had told the Minister that there would be queues for miles up the M1 during the fleadh, when 400,000 people are expected to visit Drogheda, if he does not lift the toll on the slip roads for the duration.

See this speech in context