asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any steps were taken by him in connection with the Bill introduced in the Parliament of Northern Ireland to make a new fixed bridge over the Foyle at Derry; and if he will state the result of such steps or action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - New Bridge Over the Foyle at Derry.
The Bill referred to by the Deputy is a private Bill, and it was open to persons affected by its proposals to lodge objections against it if they so desired.
The provision of a movable span adds considerably to the cost of erection of a bridge, and the intention to replace the existing bridge which contains such a span by a fixed bridge was doubtless dictated by this consideration.
As the bridge is wholly within the territory of Northern Ireland, the matter is of interest to this State only in so far as the replacement may have an adverse effect upon the interests of our citizens. I have, as the Deputy knows, had this aspect of the matter examined, and I have been informed that no practical use of the opening span in the present bridge has been made for over 20 years. I have been unable to obtain any evidence that in the present conditions the proposed replacement will impose hardships on citizens of the Irish Free State—of such an extent, at any rate, as to justify a demand for the largely increased expenditure which a movable span would involve. Nevertheless, in view of what in present circumstances seems to be a rather remote possibility, that developments might occur which would at some date in the future render the provision of an opening span desirable, representations have been made to the Government of Northern Ireland that they should undertake, in the event of such a possibility arising, that the necessary steps would then be taken. The matter rests there for the moment.
Does the Minister not think that the proposed erection of this bridge is a breach of the Articles of Agreement of 1921, and, as such, would prohibit a free passage inside territorial waters to parts of the Free State situated in Donegal? Further, is the Minister aware that this is the third bridge to be built, and that each previous one made provision for an opening span?
I am afraid the Deputy will have to wait for the return of the Minister for Industry and Commerce to find out what he thinks beyond what is set out in the answer.
I desire to give notice that I will raise the matter on the adjournment.
Can the Minister give any indication as to the line of demarcation between the waters of Northern Ireland and the waters of the Free State in the Foyle? I would like an answer to that question.
Deputy Blaney has given notice that he desires to raise the matter on the adjournment.