North South Transport 'On The One Road'

Cross border transport links were very much in focus after yesterday's tragic plane crash in Cork, with the Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson speaking today to the Republic of Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen regarding the Manx2 plane that crashed after leaving from Belfast.

Commenting Mr Robinson said: "Our thoughts remain with the families of those who have lost loved ones in this sudden tragedy.

"I have asked Brian to convey our deepest appreciation to the emergency services for their swift and professional response to the air crash on Thursday.

"We also thank the staff of Cork University Hospital for their role in caring for the injured. I trust and pray that those injured will make a full recovery," he said.

Yesterday, Brian Cowen was in Cork being briefed personally on the fatal air crash that has left six people dead - three of them from Northern Ireland.

He met the Chief Executive of Cork Airport, Pat Keohane and also spoke to members of the rescue services involved.

Mr Cowen expressed his sincere sympathies with families affected by the crash on behalf of Government and "on behalf of the Irish people".

Mr Cowen also visited Cork University Hospital to speak to medical staff about the tragedy.

The tragedy came as overall cross-border transport issues were on the agenda when the Irish Republic's Transport Minister Pat Carey attended a North South Ministerial meeting in Northern Ireland.

The meeting was held at the new headquarters of the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh City.

The meeting in the Transport Sectoral Format was also attended by Stormont's Edwin Poots, Minister of the Environment and Conor Murphy the Minister for Regional Development with Edwin Poots chairing the meeting.

Among the issues covered by the meeting were matters relating to City of Derry Airport, Dublin Belfast Rail Link, Major Roads Projects, Road Safety and Sustainable Travel and Transport.

(BMcC/GK)