asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the hardship caused to the public on both sides of the Leitrim-Fermanagh border due to the continued closure of cross-Border roads in that area, and the steps, if any, being taken to have these roads reopened.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Road Closures.
5.
I am generally aware of the hardship that the closure of cross-Border roads can cause to the public and I have stated previously that I would be anxious that these roads should be reopened as soon as security and other considerations allow.
The position in relation to the road closures in the Kiltyclogher area on the Leitrim-Fermanagh border has been the subject of representations by me to the British authorities on a number of occasions. The British authorities have told me that they have re-examined the question of the continued closure of cross-Border roads in this area but that they are of the opinion that, on security grounds, the roads should remain closed. I have not received representations about any other cross-Border roads between County Leitrim and County Fermanagh but I would be happy to have investigated any other case which is drawn to my attention.
These roads have, of course, been closed on the Northern Ireland side of the Border and the decision when the crossings might be reopened is therefore a matter for the British authorities.
The Minister has asked us to name other roads and I would be obliged if he would consider some of the roads in Donegal which were closed for security reasons. The condition of some of those roads on this side of the Border is so bad that there is an obligation on Donegal County Council, through the Department, to have them repaired. I am particularly concerned about the road between Castlefin in County Donegal and County Tyrone. Will the Minister make money available for the repair of that road?
I will bring that matter to the notice of my colleague.
I take it that the Minister is acting on behalf of his colleague?
I am acting on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Deputy should refer to the question. What he has stated is not relevant.
The Minister asked Members to bring other roads to his notice and I am doing that.
I was speaking of other roads on the Northern Ireland side of the Border in regard to which the Minister can make representations to the British authorities. The Deputy should read the question and not be making a fool of himself here.
I do not have the Minister's bad habits or his reputation.
I am answering this question on the basis of representations to the British authorities in regard to roads on the other side of the Border; I am not answering on behalf of the Minister for the Environment. The Deputy is colossally stupid; that is rather sad.
The Minister should not consider himself clever.
Does the Minister realise that he was contradicted here yesterday by his colleague, the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy?
I can come down to the Minister's level very fast also.
It is rather sad to see that the Deputy does not have control of his senses.
There is a responsibility for the Clady road on the Northern side of the Border——
I am not going to answer.
Would the Minister not be so stupid and listen to my question? Will the Minister make representations to the British authorities about that section of the road and make representations to the Minister for the Environment about repairing the road on our side of the Border?
I will take note of what the Deputy has stated.
The Minister should have more manners the next time.