asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider in conjunction with the Northern Ireland authorities the question of having the main Lifford-Aughnacloy road treated as a concession road for Donegal traffic in transit from the Republic to the Republic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lifford-Aughnacloy Road.
11.
The road to which the Deputy refers is a fully-approved route for all types of traffic entering or leaving the State and as it traverses a large part of Northern Ireland could not appropriately be treated as a salient or "concession" road. I would remind the Deputy that there are in operation simplified customs procedures to facilitate through traffic of the kind to which he refers. I am satisfied that the requirements to be met are the minimum consistent with effective customs control.
Will the Minister consider extending the hours during which it is permissible for merchandise to pass through the customs? I should like to point out to the Minister that a vehicle leaving Donegal at 9 a.m. cannot make the return journey so as to be back in Donegal at 5 p.m. These are the existing hours.
That is a different question. I would have to get notice of that.
Does it not come under the question of a concession road? Would it not be a concession?
That is another question. I would have to consider that.
Would the Minister consider it favourably?
I would consider favourably anything that is practicable.
We have had experience of that this week.