Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We welcome the commitment to investing on an all-island basis and the additional funding to the shared island fund. There are two areas that I would ask to be included. As the Taoiseach did not mention them when he was listing the priorities, I want to ensure they are clearly up on the agenda. The all-island strategic rail review report was published last year and contains really important proposals, including a proposed railway line from Portadown to Derry, with a spur to Letterkenny. Investment in rail is one key priority on an all-island basis.

The other issue comes from the SDLP, which made very practical policy proposals last year for developing the all-island economy and North-South co-operation, in particular on renewable energy infrastructure. I ask, again, that this be prioritised.

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