Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Most of the debate here has been about housing and that is also the issue which I want to raise, but in a different way. I represent the constituency of Louth and east Meath where large housing developments are proceeding apace, particularly around Drogheda. The whole town is chock-a-block with traffic and major development needs remain unmet in the context of its designation as a regional growth centre in the national development plan.

The biggest issue in Drogheda at the moment is what is called the port access northern cross route, PANCR, project. Planning permission has been granted for more than 5,000 homes but the required infrastructure is not in place to build them. The homes are a mix of private, social and affordable housing, and the project includes schools and sports developments, including Drogheda United's new pitch. This development is predicated on finance being provided to the local authority under the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF. What is the position regarding that funding? I know the Minister is familiar with the matter, having visited the town recently where he met a number of people. Will he provide an update?

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