Transport issues discussed in Trim

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey last Friday in Trim met with Conor Murphy, Northern Ireland"s Minister for Regional Development to discuss a range of North/South transport matters. Speaking following the meeting, Minister Dempsey said: 'While I regret that it was not possible to have a formal North South Ministerial Council meeting today, I am very pleased that I had this opportunity to discuss a range of transport issues with Minister Murphy. 'The North South Ministerial Council is a key institution in the Good Friday Agreement and I hope that the current political difficulties in Belfast can be quickly resolved so that these important council meetings can resume... Today"s meeting with Minister Murphy was particularly useful. It allowed me the opportunity to outline this Government"s continuing commitment to investment in key North/South transport projects even in these more difficult economic times.' Among the items discussed at the bilateral meeting was the progress being made on the upgrade of the A5 road which links Monaghan and Aughnacloy to Strabane and Derry and Letterkenny. The first key milestone in this project was recently achieved ahead of target - that is the completion of the preliminary route corridor assessment. Progress on the road between Belfast and Sligo was also discussed by both ministers. The restoration of the cross-border bridges at Knockaginney and Annaghroe (bridges between Monaghan and Tyrone) was also discussed as was the proposed construction of the new Narrow Water Bridge which will link Omeagh with Warrenpoint. Road Safety matters were not on the agenda; however, Minister Dempsey said that he looked forward to soon meeting with his counterpart Minister Sammy Wilson at a formal North South Ministerial to discuss this important issue.