Chamber ‘disappointed’ by East-West NDP snub

Industry leaders in Cootehill have described as “outrageous” a decision to leave out the delivery of an upgraded East-West route linking Dundalk to Sligo in the new National Development Plan 2021–2030 published on Monday.

This week, the government unveiled an ambitious €165 billion worth of intended spending - citing key projects with a particular focus on dealing with the housing crisis, finding climate ambitions, as well as addressing transport, healthcare and jobs growth in every region for the decade ahead.

While the NDP allows for the design of rail projects such as the Navan rail line, and commitments to the N3 Virginia Bypass and N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney, not included is a route linking Dundalk to Sligo, taking in Cavan, a project talked about for almost a quarter of a century.

“We’re very disappointed that the East-West route is not specifically included in NDP 2022-2030,” said Lisa Pepper, Cootehill Chamber President, responding to the news. “Considering that this has been in discussion and on the agenda for at least 25 years now, and vital to the continuing success of the region. As agreed by all stakeholders.”

She went on to state that in the context of the overall NBP spend: “It’s outrageous that there’s no mention. [It] feels like we’re [marooned] on an island here with little government support.”

Just days before the NBP was announced, Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fail TD Brendan Smith had raised in the Dáil with Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan the need for the project to proceed.

In response to a submitted Parliamentary Question, Minister Ryan provided an update on the status of the East-West link project.

“My Department provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design.”

The Minister added: “As indicated previously, the Department is currently liaising with the Council in relation to carrying out a risk based analysis for the route between Dundalk and Cavan. The analysis is expected to be completed in 2021. Future options in relation to the scheme will then be considered.”

But Ms Pepper believes the region has been “neglected for too long”, and describesthe infrastructural project as “vital”.

“We have a lot of fantastic indigenous companies operating in Cootehill against all the odds, but this can’t continue. We need recognition from central government to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is provided in this area.”