asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will negotiate with the Northern Ireland authorities with a view to reopening the Belleek-Pettigo road which is currently blocked at Letter Bridge and to resiting the security post at Boa Island by a distance of 300 yards as this would enable the security forces to keep both roads under surveillance.
Written Answers. - Belleek-Pettigo Road Re-opening.
276.
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Professor Dooge)
The decision to close the Border crossing at Letter Bridge on the Pettigo-Belleek road was taken by the British authorities on the basis of security considerations as they saw them and it can only be reopened with their agreement.
I am fully aware of the difficulties caused to local residents in Border areas as a result of road closures. While the decision whether or not to reopen this border crossing is ultimately a matter for the British authorities, the question of this and other closures of cross-Border roads is kept under constant review and the need to have them reopened as soon as possible has been frequently impressed upon the British authorities. In this regard the Deputy's suggestion concerning the possible resiting of the security post at Boa Island in Northern Ireland will be borne in mind.