asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that the demolition by the Northern Ireland Ministry of Home Affairs in September, 1961, of a Border bridge on an unapproved road through the townlands of Uragh, Belturbet, County Cavan, and of Gortoral, County Fermanagh, is causing serious hardship to the local people; and that rubble and debris left in the river following the demolition is causing serious flooding to adjoining lands; and, if so, if he will make representations to have the bridge restored.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Demolition of Border Bridge.
10.
My information is that the bridge was not demolished but collapsed into the river.
As stated in my reply to Deputy Dillon on 22nd November, I have made further representations for the re-opening of all cross-Border roads and the repair of the bridge mentioned by the Deputy is covered by these representations.
Is there any prospect that the representations which have been made will be successful and that the bridge will be restored?
Some obstructions have been removed.
It is a question of building a bridge.
I think that may involve an agreement between the Cavan County Council and the Fermanagh County Council, but I am not sure.
If we are to move into the Common Market, surely we ought to be able, by negotiation with our immediate neighbours, to build a bridge where it is required?
I agree.
Do you expect to do it? These people have no bridge.
I know that.
You feel there is nothing more you can do about it.
We are doing as much as we can about it.
Could the Minister say who is going to clean the river? The rubble was put into the river as a result of demolitions by the Northern Government. I feel the Minister's information on this matter is not correct.
There is no doubt that rubble collapsed into the water from the other side of the bridge.
If there is rubble in the river dividing Northern Ireland from the Republic, surely the combined resources of the Department of External Affairs and the other Departments of Government can determine who put the rubble in there and take some steps to remove it? Can that be done?
I hope so.