Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the news of the shared island funding. Today we heard that the Government will provide the targeted cost of construction of the Narrow Water Bridge. The Cabinet signed off on that this morning. Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love my county and region and am so proud of it. I genuinely believe in it and in its bright future. Today's funding announcement highlights my belief and that of this Government in my region. It is a really proud day for me because for many a long year my area has been economically disadvantaged by being a Border county. It was economically disadvantaged because of the Troubles and the difficulties of lying along the Border. I have huge confidence in the economic and social future of my area. Today's commitment by the Government reflects the strong commitment contained in the Fianna Fáil manifesto prior to the last election.Today, it is a Government commitment. I am proud to see it. I thank the Tánaiste and congratulate Louth County Council for their work on the shared island initiative. There has been diligent work from Louth County Council, the Department of the Taoiseach and the shared island unit over the past year since the tender documents were announced.

The shared island unit is slowly and steadily, through dedication and respect, improving the lives of all on this island. I look forward to seeing more progress. A huge amount of funding has been announced for educational disadvantage, Casement Park and the A5, as well as €30 million for a shared island economic fund. There is huge positivity today. I look forward to seeing the improvements in real life. It is a great day for north Louth and the Narrow Water bridge.