Vol. 486 No. 1
305 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in relation to the Border crossing on the Northern Ireland side of Cannings Lane, Coney Road, Muff, County Donegal; when this road will be made passable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2118/98]
I fully understand the concern and frustration of local residents in Muff, County Donegal that the section of Canning's Lane, off Coney Road, which lies in Northern Ireland, has not yet been fully opened.
The Government has made on-going representations on this matter within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, particularly with regard to the intention of the British authorities following the rescinding of the closure order in 1994. As the Deputy is aware, a difference of opinion between Derry City Council and the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment regarding their respective responsibilities in this matter has also arisen.
At my request, further inquiries were recently made with the British authorities. Further to these inquiries, the British authorities have responded that it has now been agreed that if there is sufficient public will to do so, Derry City Council should re-establish the public right of way; thereafter the crossing would be brought up to a sufficient standard to be adopted by the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment.
