Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join our group leader and others who have expressed their sympathy to the Blaney family on the sad passing of Harry Blaney, a former Deputy who served in these Houses between 1997 and 2002 and who continued a long and illustrious tradition of national politics for the Blaney family in Donegal. I express our deepest sympathy to his wife and family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Also, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I echo the comments of Senator Mullen in expressing our sympathy to the Leader and the Fine Gael party on the passing of Dick Barry, the former Deputy and Minister of State. I first came around these Houses as a member of the Fianna Fáil national executive when Dick Barry was coming to the end of his illustrious political career and had the pleasure of knowing him and his daughter, Myra, who, all would agree, was a great loss not only to the Fine Gael party but to national politics when she decided to retire from national politics. I call on the Leader to convey to the Barry family the deepest sympathy of the Fianna Fáil group on his sad passing.

I wish to alert the Leader to an issue that has been mentioned here frequently not only by my colleague Senator MacSharry but also by others as part of the ongoing campaign to have essential road works carried out on the N4 at Castlebaldwin, going into Sligo. There was some good news last week and I pay tribute to all those involved. I understand there will be an environmental impact assessment and a compulsory purchase order in the coming 18 months, which, I hope, will lead to the works being carried out. Anyone who has travelled on the N4 will know that this stretch stands out like a sore thumb. I pay tribute to the local campaign group, which kept this on the national radar. Despite all the pressures on Government, it has responded to the activities of the campaign group. Some 30 people have been killed on this stretch of road, which is only a couple of miles long; the most recent was killed in the last few weeks. With all the crosses erected along the route, it looks more like a cemetery than a national primary route. The reason I raise this issue - I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence - is that the newspapers are reporting today that the president or chairman - I am unsure of his correct title - of the European Investment Bank has indicated that the bank would facilitate loans being provided for essential infrastructural works in the country.

He cites a number of examples to which the Government has already committed, such as the N11 at Rathnew, Newlands Cross and the Gort road.