Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. The people of County Monaghan, like the people of other counties throughout Ireland, are more than grateful for any funding they get from any Department. I appreciate that the Minister has to make a case to the Cabinet on the local road network. I understand that there is only so much he can do in this regard. We are in a crisis situation in County Monaghan and indeed throughout rural Ireland. Our economy will suffer further unless something is done about this. As the Minister has said, we are looking down the barrel of Brexit. No one knows what effect it will have on us. We can be sure it will be negative.

I would like the Minister to bring a message back to the Government. Something needs to be done to address the crisis situation we are in. Although the funding mentioned by the Minister is welcome, it is totally inadequate by comparison with what is needed.In order for us to address this issue I again plead with the Minister to visit County Monaghan to see the condition of the road network. I would welcome his response to that invitation.