John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Jim D'Arcy for raising this very important issue. I will convey his very kind comments to the Minister, Deputy Varadkar. I have no doubt that the Taoiseach will be delighted by people's determination to see this project progressed. There is no harm in repeating that in the context of the possibility of the Narrow Water bridge project qualifying for funding under the next INTERREG V, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is the lead Department liaising with the SEUPB regarding the INTERREG V funding process. The Minister understands that the SEUPB has now published a draft operational programme for public comment with a set of funding priorities. I have no doubt the project will be discussed in the context of that process. It was, as already stated, contemplated under INTERREG IV and there is no doubt that it could be possible for it to be considered under INTERREG V.

The Northern Ireland Office is working to deal with the environmental concerns relating to the A5 project. The Senator and Deputy McHugh in the Lower House have consistently advocated this project. I have no doubt that the issue of INTERREG V funding will be discussed at the meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council in Dublin Castle. The Government secured a considerable amount of funding under the programme for the period 2014 to 2020. I have no doubt that the project in question will be considered in the context of the draft operational programme published by the SEUPB.