Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On some level, we are dealing with a technical issue in respect of capital carryover. Deputy Conway-Walsh has spoken about the issues in regard to capital expenditure and the wider budgetary issues that are impacting detrimentally at this time on the running of our health services. In the limited time available to me, I will refer to a number of capital projects.

It goes without saying that we need to ensure there is funding for the Narrow Water Bridge A5 project, which is needed not only for infrastructural connectivity but also from a safety point of view. We must make sure the State steps up to the mark.

Not for the first time, I raise the huge issues with drainage schemes and wastewater schemes, particularly in Dundalk. We now have a drainage plan or, at least, plans for a drainage plan. We have seen the issues with flooding in Dundalk in the past while. We know there are flooding issues in north County Louth. Last night, there was flooding in Glenmore, Tullagh and Omeath. The OPW and the council must ensure all mitigations and assessments are done as quickly as possible. Antóin Watters would not forgive me if I did not bring that up.

I draw attention to two major road projects. The N2 project between Castleblayney, Carrickmacross and Ardee is moribund at this stage because insufficient moneys have been released. That needs to be addressed. In the case of the N53 Dundalk to Castleblayney project, the CPOs are live but the council is waiting for approval from TII. I have put in parliamentary questions about this. Funding needs to be approved by TII to ensure work is started as soon as possible. It is an absolute necessity.

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