Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, it is hard to get a ticket as well. There is the rugby international between Ireland and France, the all Ireland club championship finals and we have GamerCon, which I understand will be the largest gaming event in Europe this year. All that adds up to a hugely successful weekend.

The challenge we have is getting the tourists from the capital, Dublin, Kerry and the west to regional Ireland, and counties such as Cavan and Monaghan spring to mind. The inland counties, which are less than an hour from this House, have many facilities that would compete with anything we have on this island. I am very proud to say that we have some very distinguished visitors in our county for two or three days. The Irish rugby team under Joe Schmidt will stay in a hotel in Monaghan town and will avail of the facilities in and around the region for the next three days. It goes to show that a county such as Monaghan, which is not renowned for its tourism attractions, still has a lot to offer. We have the challenge of getting visitors out to such locations.

A number of my colleagues have mentioned Bus Éireann and the importance of the regional bus service to places like Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal and elsewhere. I know the Minister has a lot on his plate with such a large portfolio, but this dispute is one area that deserves his full attention.

My colleague Senator Mac Lochlainn outlined the case of the Derry to Ardee road. We look forward to that project being progressed. In respect of the aspect that affects County Monaghan, currently we have a stretch of roadway from Clontibret to the Border with County Tyrone, which is 400 metres wide and stretches for 28 kilometres. That large portion of ground is basically frozen at present until such time as the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport releases €1 million to €1.5 million to narrow that corridor from its current 400 metres down to 100 metres. I would stress upon the Minister that it is important the funding is allocated. That portion of land is sterilised which means that businesses along that area that want to expand or young people who want to build houses are precluded from doing so because of the width of the corridor. I ask the Minister to take that on board and ensure the funding is provided in order that the project can proceed.

When the Minister was in the House last week, I mentioned the large number of fatalities that occur on the existing N2 Dublin to Derry road. It is important that the Minister, Deputy Ross, keeps that road in focus as well and that any funding that would be required to improve it would be forthcoming.

I have had quite a number of complaints recently about the waiting times for young people who wish to sit their driving test. Some counties are more affected than others. A number of people from County Donegal have contacted me and that seems to be especially bad. I ask the Minister to look at the issue nationwide, but to focus on Donegal in order that with additional staff, the waiting list could be tackled and young people could have the opportunity to sit their test and pass it.