asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider making the Derrylin-Aughalane-Belturbet road an approved road for the convenience of the people on both sides of the Border.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Road.
8.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Deputy Dolan's question of 10th November regarding the opening of additional cross-Border routes for customs purposes. As I then indicated, it would be inappropriate for me to add anything to the information given in that reply.
I saw a statement by the Minister fairly recently that agreement had been reached in regard to certain of the roads referred to in my question. I cannot remember having received the courtesy of any notification from the Minister himself. This is an additional road to the category of roads we then had under consideration.
Tentative agreement was reached between the customs authorities on both sides with regard to certain roads but they had not at that time got the approval of the Governments at each side. I have given my full approval but I am not sure if approval has been given on the other side. It was considered that arrangements should be made for the erection of customs huts before any announcement was made.
This is a road which was not in the list of roads which we were considering. It is a new proposal. Could the Minister have it examined?
All the roads on both sides that were wanted by both sides were brought up for examination. They were brought down to three in particular on which it was proposed to agree. A sort of compromise was reached in the matter.
Then may I assume that this particular road has been considered and rejected?
It was amongst those considered. I would not like to go further than that.
May I assume that it is still being considered? I do not want to raise false hopes. Would I be correct in telling the people in that area that it is still under consideration?
There is no road ruled out so far.