Narrow Water bridge funding
Seamus Kirk asks whether the Narrow Water bridge will proceed despite financing uncertainty in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach says the issue was raised with the Executive and that INTERREG and departmental funding may be available.
Yesterday's edition of the Irish News, which circulates north of the Border and in the Border counties, carried a story regarding the bridge over Narrow Water. The story was casting some doubt on whether this symbolic project in the Border counties would go ahead because of the issue of financing north of the Border. Has the Taoiseach had contact with members of the Executive with regard to the project?
Comment on this
The Deputy must deal with that in some other way. I note Deputy Kirk has requested a Topical Issue debate and I will be dealing with that matter for him. Consequently, he should leave it at that.
Comment on this
Yes. Perhaps the Taoiseach might raise the matter in the context of the ministerial discussions.
Comment on this
While the Taoiseach may take note of it, this is not a matter for the Order of Business.
Comment on this
I can confirm for Deputy Kirk that it was raised at the North-South Ministerial Council meeting. There is INTERREG funding available, as well as some funding from the office of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. However, I raised the issue with the Executive directly at the last North-South Ministerial Council meeting and I will follow up on that.