Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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337. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the discussions at the recent North-South Ministerial Council meeting with regard to the report on infrastructure commitments in the Fresh Start agreement and the North West Gateway initiative. [38576/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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At the Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on 18th November 2016 in Armagh the Council considered an update by a group of Senior Officials from relevant Departments, North and South, on the progress being made on implementing the commitments by the Government, set out in Section E of the Fresh Start Agreement, to provide support and funding for North-South infrastructure projects.

The Council welcomed the meetings held in October 2016 between officials and key stakeholders about the possible options for the Narrow Water Bridge Project and noted that further discussions would be held in January 2017.

It was also noted that Phase One of the re-opening of the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Castle Saunderson is progressing and that the tender for the final stage of Phase One was expected to issue shortly with a planned site commencement in spring 2017. Ministers also welcomed the establishment of an Ulster Canal Advisory Forum of key stakeholders which held its first meeting in September and which will be looking at funding paths for further development of the Canal.

The Council noted that a Public Inquiry into the A5 road project is underway in Northern Ireland and that the Inspector’s report is expected around May 2017. Subject to the successful completion of statutory procedures, a decision can then be made regarding progression to the construction stage, which remains programmed for late 2017. Under the Fresh Start Agreement the Government committed to providing an additional £25m to the A5 project on top of the £50m already committed. This project will deliver much improved access to Donegal and the North West region.

The Council also received an update in relation to the North West Gateway Initiative. Ministers welcomed the establishment by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership which will aim to work with central government North and South to ensure the North West region can reach its full potential.

The North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting was advised that Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council have finalised governance, financial management and administrative arrangements for oversight and delivery of the North West Strategic Growth Plan and the associated €5m North West Development Fund which was established under Fresh Start. I am pleased that my own Department has played a leading role in this regard – contributing €2.5 million to the Fund.

It is the intention that a further update on the Fresh Start infrastructure commitments and the North West will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting.