Successful talks at Stormont vital to development of North/South infrastructure – Fitzpatrick

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said that a successful conclusion to the Stormont talks is necessary to support ongoing North/South Cooperation, regarding investment in infrastructure in particular.

“The Government’s recently published Capital Plan clearly states our ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure to support North-South cooperation to help unlock the full potential of the island economy.

“This commitment is based on the existence of a stable political environment in the North, with all of the institutions and cross-border agencies operating to full effect.

“The Capital Plan has reaffirmed our support for the EU PEACE and INTERREG programmes. Almost half a billion euro is available from EU sources from 2016 to 2021 and we will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that these funding opportunities are maximised.

“A commitment has already been made to develop the A5 road project, which is of major strategic importance to the North-West. There will also be renewed focus on investing in a number of the key transport corridors, including the Dublin-Belfast rail line. This is critical to the development of the Dublin-Belfast corridor which is currently in receipt of an €18 million upgrade package.

“The Government also remains committed to the concept of the Narrow Water Bridge, which would provide a valuable North/South link between Louth and Down, bringing with it the potential to provide jobs and a significant boost to tourism.

“The Government will also continue to explore the development of further cross-border Greenways and Blueway cycling/ walking/water leisure routes including the Ulster Canal.

“A stable Government in Northern Ireland is essential to develop all of these infrastructure projects. These projects would be extremely beneficial in particular to border counties such as Louth. It is therefore essential that all parties involved in the talks remain focused making progress.”