Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Border Crossings.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

69 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position on the unopened Border crossing at Coney Road-Cannings Lane, Muff, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7962/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to her previous written question of 22 January 1997 with regard to the reopening of the section of Cannings Lane-Coney Road, Muff, County Donegal which lies in Northern Ireland.

Since that reply, I have had further inquiries made to the British authorities on the issue through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat. However, the question of the responsibility for the section of road in question has still not been resolved between the roads service of the Department of the Environment of Northern Ireland and Derry City Council. This continues to impede its reopening to vehicular traffic. As stated in my reply of 22 January 1997, we would not wish any dispute as to the relevant competences involved to stand in the way of the reopening of this road. I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to pursue the matter with the British authorities with a view to the full reopening of this crossing.