(Cavan) asked the Minister for Finance if having regard to the relaxation in cross-border regulations, he will initiate immediately steps to have the cross-border road leading from Derrylin to Ballyconnell, County Cavan declared an approved road in view of the fact that this would be a great convenience to the residents of that area and would add substantially to the economy of Ballyconnell and district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Road.
48.
I am satisfied that the area referred to by the Deputy is adequately catered for by the existing cross-border approved routes at Aghalane Bridge and Swanlinbar. The expense of maintaining a third frontier post in this area would not be warranted.
(Cavan): Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, since I raised this matter with the Taoiseach when he was Minister for Finance a few years ago, there have been considerable alterations in the regulations? For example, passes and bonds have been abolished and these custom huts close down on the northern side at 5 o'clock and on this side at 8 o'clock. Is the Parliamentary Secretary further aware that MPs from Great Britain have visited this place and have seen the absurdity of it? Is he aware that I have carried out a test which shows that to get from the Border to Ballyconnell by the present approved road involves 12½ miles whereas if he opens this road the distance will be less than a mile? Will the Parliamentary Secretary have regard to the hardships that are being imposed on the residents of Ballyconnell and review this sympathetically?
I am familiar with the situation but the advice available to the Minister is that the expense would not be justified at this stage. However, I will bring the Deputy's remarks to the attention of the Minister and ask him to give the matter sympathetic consideration.
(Cavan): I am obliged to the Parliamentary Secretary. Regarding the question of expense, will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that most of the customs regulations are now being enforced by patrol cars and not really from the customs huts? To that extent no great expense would be involved.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.