asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will renew his efforts for the opening of the cross-Border road at Lackey Bridge, Clones, County Monaghan, in view of the inconvenience it is causing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Re-opening of Cross-Border Road.
1.
As I have stated on a number of occasions in this House, the policy of the Government is that the closure of cross-Border roads and bridges is counter-productive both politically and in terms of security.
I fully appreciate the significance of Lackey Bridge and the inconvenience its removal has caused to people residing in the locality. I have frequently raised the question of Lackey Bridge with the British authorities, whose co-operation would be required if this cross-Border bridge were to be reconstructed; in their response they have referred to the security problems which would arise if this crossing point was again restored. I will continue to raise this matter with the British authorities with a view to a satisfactory solution.
Will the Minister agree that there is a permanent British army presence 200 yards from the bridge? It would not be a threat to security to have the bridge open as all traffic has to pass that army checkpoint. It is ridiculous that the army presence is there where there is no crossing. It has seriously inconvenienced farmers and business people over the last number of years.
I agree with what Deputy Leonard said about the inconvenience, particularly to the people of Clones. I met the traders in Clones on two occasions about this matter. I take the point that I got from both deputations which I met that there is a British army presence on the far side of what was the bridge. For that reason there should not be a security problem. I said this to the British authorities on a number of occasions without, I am sorry to say, success in having the bridge reopened. I will continue to press to have Lackey Bridge reopened.
There is one other point worth bringing to the notice of the British authorities. Members of the EC Social and Economic committee visited the Border regions and accompanied them across that footbridge and around that area. In a subsequent report they indicated that that area was in need of rehabilitation. They rated it as the black spot of that Border region.
I have already referred to that in another context and I will repeat it again. I am concerned about Lackey Bridge and I would very much like to see it opened.