Local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has highlighted the need to further develop the central border region as part of the All-Ireland economy.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD told the Dáil economic opportunities need to be grasped and the challenges that face the central border region must be addressed. Deputy Smith said the All-Ireland economy exists, is growing and is being strengthened every day, and that between 1998 and 2022 cross-border trade in goods and services had increased threefold to well in excess of €11 billion. He says the importance of cross-border trade for areas like Cavan, Monaghan and Fermanagh must not be minimised. The Taoiseach said in response that he agreed with Deputy's Smith, saying the all-island economy is "real and growing".
