asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of all cross-Border roads/bridges closed since 1970; and if he will ensure that the Anglo-Irish Conference makes every effort to have these crossings reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Border Crossings.
27.
As I have stated on a number of occasions in this House, the policy of the Government is that the closure of cross-Border roads and bridges is counter-productive both politically and in terms of security. This question has been frequently raised with the British authorities and I will continue to do so until the problem is resolved.
There are 260 Border crossings which include all major and minor public roads, private roads and in some instances tracks across the Border not capable of being used by vehicles.
Out of a total of 260 Border crossings, 101 are currently impeded by obstacles put in place by the security forces in Northern Ireland. In many instances these 101 blocked Border crossings are negotiable by foot or by farm vehicles. Details on a county by county basis are as follows:
Border Crossings.
|
County |
Total Number of crossings |
Number of blocked crossing |
|
Donegal |
66 |
44 |
|
Leitrim |
6 |
6 |
|
Cavan |
21 |
9 |
|
Monaghan |
134 |
41 |
|
Louth |
33 |
1 |
|
Totals |
260 |
101 |