(Cavan) asked the Minister for Finance if he will take immediate steps to have the cross-Border road leading from Derrylin to Ballyconnell, County Cavan declared an approved road in view of the fact that inability to use this road as an approved road is causing great loss, hardship and inconvenience to the residents of Ballyconnell and district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Road.
7.
The question of approving the Ballyconnell-Derrylin road was considered as part of the review of cross-border traffic facilities undertaken, in consultation with the British customs authorities, last year. As a result of this review four new routes were approved, one of which was the Belturbet-Derrylin road which is within a few miles of the road the Deputy has in mind. I am satisfied that the volume of traffic would not justify the expense of maintaining a second frontier post in this area.
(Cavan): Would the Minister agree that this is the only Border town of any size in either Cavan or Monaghan which has not got an approved road and that as a result the business people of Ballyconnell are at a very severe loss and disadvantage because this road is not open?
I am afraid I am not sufficiently familiar with the geography along the Border to agree that this is the only town of a substantial size which has not got an approved road, but as I said in the reply, the other road is within such a short distance that to accede to this request would invite similar requests in respect of many other roads along the Border.
(Cavan): If the Minister was convinced that the people of Ballyconnell were suffering severe loss as a result of this, would he look into the matter again and reconsider the decision?
This decision was taken before I became Minister for Finance. Having read the background leading up to the decision, I doubt that any further representations would have any effect, particularly having regard to the fact that both Irish and British customs would have to be satisfied, and also having regard to the fact that it would cost a considerable sum to open up this road and service it with customs officers.
(Cavan): Would the Minister receive a deputation on the matter?
I do not think it would serve any purpose. There is no point in receiving a deputation if the people concerned are only doing something that would have no results.
(Cavan): Finally, I should like the Minister to bear in mind that if some parishioners wish to go to church by motor vehicle, they have to travel 24 miles instead of two as a result of this road not being open.