Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 5

Written Answers. - Belturbet (Cavan) Bridge.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

41 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any progress has been made, through the Anglo-Irish Agreement, in relation to the opening of the Aughalane Bridge which is outside Belturbet in County Cavan on the main Cavan-Enniskillen Road; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that works being carried out at the bridge at present in relation to the opening of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal, through the international fund for Ireland, gives an ideal opportunity for spanning the bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

The difficulties caused by closed cross-Border roads, including the particular difficulties caused by the closure of Aughalane Bridge, have been discussed at meetings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference and the issue has been the subject of repeated representations to the British authorities through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat in Belfast.

I am aware of the work which is currently being carried out with the assistance of the International Fund for Ireland to restore the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal. While some amenity works will be carried out in the vicinity of Aughalane Bridge, no provision has been made for the bridge to be spanned.

However, I would like to assure the Deputy that I have every sympathy with the people of the area and the difficulties which they face as a result of the continued closure of the bridge, and I will continue to press the British authorities for a solution to the problems being caused by the continued closure of cross-Border roads.