Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Transport if discussion has taken place regarding a restructuring of the road from Cavan town via Enniskillen to Donegal as this is the main Dublin route for a lot of people from the Donegal area and it is in need of major restructuring; if it is included in the St. Andrew's Agreement; if so, when the discussions or preparations will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29438/07]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 284: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has held meetings with his counterpart in Northern Ireland in recent times; if so, if he has discussed the need for upgrading and major restructuring of the road from Ballyshannon, south Donegal area to Enniskillen and on towards Cavan; if there is agreement to draw up plans for this road as it is of major consequence to the people of both Cavan and Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29439/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 284 together.

A meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (Transport Sector) took place on 14th September 2007. The Council discussed and agreed the necessary steps to progress the A5 road project which will provide dual carriageway standard on the route within Northern Ireland serving the North West Gateway. The road referred to by the Deputy has not been discussed at the North/South Ministerial Council.

I understand from my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs that at St. Andrew's, the Irish and British Governments committed to working with all the parties to support the future economic progress of Northern Ireland, and considerable work has been undertaken in that context. The St. Andrew's Agreement does not include any reference to specific projects.

The agreed Programme for Government (June 2007) provides for the development of the Border Road Corridor connecting Dundalk to Sligo via Enniskillen. In 2007, a grant was allocated to Cavan County Council to facilitate a feasibility study and preliminary design of an east west link between Dundalk and Sligo.