N2 PROJECTS: CLONTIBRET-BORDER DESIGN TO RECOMMENCE, ARDEE-CASTLEBLAYNEY STILL IN LIMBO

Sinn Féin TD for Cavan/Monaghan Matt Carthy has welcomed news that work on the design stage of the major road improvement scheme on the N2 from Clontibret to the Border will recommence following formal confirmation of EU funding support. Deputy Carthy said that the N2 road schemes were pivotal for the economic development of Co Monaghan and the Border region and he described as “discrimination” the actions of government which had withheld funding for the schemes over the past two years. Speaking to the Northern Standard this week, Deputy Carthy said that the position of Transport Minister Eamon Ryan TD in stalling the projects has had a detrimental impact on the economic generation of the region, had increased road safety concerns and was unfair on the large number of landowners who have had their lands sterilised for several years.

“The N2 road is a critical artery through the central Border region to the north west,” the Cavan/Monaghan Deputy stated. “Upgrade schemes on two sections of that road, which have been in the pipeline for many years, have effectively been stalled by Minister Ryan and this Government. “I welcome the news that funding has been released for the Clontibret to the Border road scheme. This is thanks to EU funding approval as the Government have denied direct funding over the past two years. “Regarding the Ardee to Castleblayney scheme, funding was essentially stalled this year, in a petty point of discrimination on the part of Minister Ryan. “The discrimination needs to end. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs and Ministers cannot simply shrug their shoulders as our…