Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 2

Written Answers. - British Naval Presence in Carlingford Lough.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

45 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the British Authorities through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat regarding the removal of the British Navy gunboat from Carlingford Lough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14291/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The British Government have been made fully aware of the views of the Irish Government that the new security situation warrants an early and thorough review of the Border and other military installations which were put in place in response to the security threat, and that these should be reduced or eliminated in line with the reduced threat.

I am aware that the presence of the naval vessel in Carlingford Lough, which has been the focus of a number of controversial incidents in the past, has been a matter of concern to local people, particularly in the light of their efforts to highlight the very significant tourism potential of the area.

I will continue, through the Anglo-Irish Agreement, to press the British authorities to review the need for this vessel to be stationed in the Lough, in the light of the new security situation.