asked the Minister for Finance whether he will take steps to have the direct Dundalk-Forkhill road established as an approved road for customs purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dundalk-Forkhill Road.
The approval of a road for traffic across the land frontier cannot be effective except with the concurrence of both the Saorstát and British Governments. In the case of the road from Dundalk to Forkhill, representations have been made on several occasions since 1925 by the Revenue Commissioners to the British Customs authorities requesting their consent to the full approval of this road or a modified approval for the clearance of goods on certain days. The British authorities, however, have consistently refused. In the absence of British agreement, steps cannot be taken to have the road in question treated as an approved road.
Could not the Minister take some steps to withdraw his customs officers from other roads and so force the British authorities to open this road?
No. I do not propose to take such steps.
Is the Minister aware that the Dundalk-Newry road, which is kept open and on which he has customs officials, is not of much benefit to the residents of the Twenty-Six County area, and simply facilitates Belfast buses and Belfast business men? Is he further aware that this other road which the Dundalk people want open would facilitate the people in South Armagh who used to shop in Dundalk? They are anxious to continue shopping, in Dundalk, and as conditions exist they are greatly inconvenienced. The people have to go around a distance of fifteen miles.
I am aware of all the circumstances which make the opening of this road desirable. As I have already stated, all the steps that can be taken have been taken to get it done.
Does the Minister think, therefore, that he can do nothing further in the matter?
Nothing further in the matter.
We will have to get another Minister, then.