Rory O'Hanlon
Question:50 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects all Border roads to be open; and if he will provide a list of such roads in the chronological order in which they will open. [2394/95]
Written Answers. - Border Roads Opening.
As the Deputy will be aware I have consistently emphasised the importance of ensuring that all Border crossings, which were the subject of closure orders made by the Northern Ireland authorities, should be reopened as quickly as possible. I have urged the relevant authorities, including those in Northern Ireland — where the bulk of construction work has to take place — as well as our own Department of the Environment, to proceed in this matter with all possible speed. I understand there is close consultation between the two Departments of the Environment, and am pleased to note that substantial progress has already been made towards the reopening of previously closed crossings.
I understand that of the 113 public crossings involved, work is under way or has been completed at approximately 40 of these. It is expected that work on most of the remaining roads will either be under way, or have been completed, by next April. In view of the difficulty of estimating the amount of work which will be required in some cases, bearing in mind the cratering and other measures taken while the roads were closed, it is not possible to indicate precisely the dates on which individual projects will be completed.
With regard to the 14 large bridge crossings requiring attention it is expected, because of the more substantial nature of the work involved, that these will take longer to complete. These bridges will be restored or replaced by the Northern Ireland authorities as required. Design work already under way will determine how much needs to be done in each case, and this in turn will affect both start and finish times. Construction work on two of the bridges, at Cashel Bridge, Kiltyclogher and at Uragh, County Cavan, is expected to be under way by next April. In the case of Aghalane, County Cavan where major additional road works are planned, work is expected to commence next spring.