asked the Taoiseach whether any roads south of the Border have been blown up by the British army.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Roads.
7.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his statement in Dáil Éireann on the 21st October, referred to an incident which had occurred in the townland of Rough Hill, County Monaghan, on the 14th October. Two bore-holes were made in the road and British troops withdrew when informed that they were on the County Monaghan side of the Border. Two further reports of the blowing up of roads on this side of the Border are currently being investigated by the Garda Síochána.
Might I ask how many further reports there have been of roads having been blown up on this side of the Border?
There have been about three that I referred to in the reply. I do not know that there have been any more. There have been some bridges which were common to both sides of the Border damaged by cratering or by explosions and there were holes dug with a view to cratering on our side of the Border. When the mistake was pointed out that operation ceased. I think these are about the only incidents I know of.
Can the Taoiseach say whether, in the interests of public safety on this side of the Border, consultations took place with the authorities here prior to the blowing up of the roads?
No.
Does the Taoiseach think there is a need for protest?
There will be a protest immediately about any operations of that nature having regard to location. I can assure the Deputy.