Fine Gael said a successful end to the Stormont talks is needed to support the ongoing North/South Cooperation in relation to investment in infrastructure.

Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick said: "The Capital Plan has reaffirmed our support for the EU PEACE and INTERREG programmes. Almost half a billion euro is available from EU sources from 2016 to 2021 and we will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that these funding opportunities are maximised.

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"A commitment has already been made to develop the A5 road project, which is of major strategic importance to the North-West. There will also be renewed focus on investing in a number of the key transport corridors, including the Dublin-Belfast rail line. This is critical to the development of the Dublin-Belfast corridor which is currently in receipt of an €18 million upgrade package.

"The Government also remains committed to the concept of the Narrow Water Bridge, which would provide a valuable North/South link between Louth and Down, bringing with it the potential to provide jobs and a significant boost to tourism."

(CD/LM)