I have  urged the Minister for Transport to prioritise the East-West route as the road is of critical importance to the border region.  Again in Dáil Éireann I highlighted to Minister Ross the need to allocate funding to Cavan County Council for the further design and development of the proposed East-West route, namely, the upgrading of the Cootehill, Shercock, Carrickmacross, Dundalk route in view of its importance to the border region.

The road carries a very heavy volume of traffic, particularly of heavy goods vehicles, and there is a need to have major improvement works carried out. Poor infrastructure is an additional cost-burden on business and enterprise. Routes such as this should be prioritised as a matter of urgency. The importance of this route will only grow post Brexit.

I understand Minister Ross has allocated €100k to Cavan County Council to undertake a detailed project appraisal. This appraisal is being used to give further consideration to future development. When the Minister and his Department consider allocations for 2020 I would urge him to prioritise the East-West route.