Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)

Today, I want to raise the issue of the N56. Over the past few weeks I have been contacted by four different families about planning issues along the N56 in west Donegal. This remains a serious challenge for rural communities in Donegal. At present, many young people living at home, and many living abroad who want to come home, want to secure planning permission to build on their family land but cannot do so along the N56. This is because they cannot get access onto the N56. The policy needs to be reviewed. It is unsustainable for rural Ireland. I am calling on the Minister to review this policy. Without access onto the N56 we are losing young people from our local communities, GAA clubs, marching bands and everything the community needs. An urgent review of this issue on the N56 is needed. Maybe the Deputy Leader could try to get the Minister to do something. It has been going on for over 20 years and is really harming rural communities in west Donegal.