Transport Minister Shane Ross has been urged to prioritise the East-West route as his Department consider allocations for 2020.

Fianna Fáil TD in Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith identified the road as "critical" to the border region and predicts its importance will only grow following Brexit.

Deputy Smith commented: "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.

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"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."

(CM/MH)