James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank the Senator for raising the very important matter of the delivery of funding for the A2 and N5 Dublin to Derry route. He welcomed the Cabinet decision to allocate €600 million for this very important project. This funding is now confirmed. He has been fighting this cause for some time and has been lobbying intensively to get this funding across the line. The funding that has been announced is very important.

The improved connections between Dublin, Derry and the wider north-west region through this infrastructure project will provide multiple benefits, including for trade, tourism, investment and road safety. It has been the consistent expectation of business and community stakeholders that the road be built and this must be delivered.

We hope that the resumption of activity of the North-South Ministerial Council will enable the Government to engage constructively with the executive in Northern Ireland to further this project without undue delay.

The Government is aware of the value and importance of North-South connectivity. This funding will not only benefit Donegal and Derry, but will benefit the much wider area in terms of support for the communities right across the north west and connectivity down to Dublin.