asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will place on the agenda for the next meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference the restoration of Border bridges and in particular, the Aghalane Bridge outside Belturbet, County Cavan, on the Belturbet-Enniskillen Road; if his attention has been drawn to the economic difficulties the closure of this bridge has placed on the town of Belturbet cutting the town off from its natural hinterland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restoration of Border Bridges.
11.
As has been stated on a number of occasions in this House, the view of the Government is that the closure of cross-border roads and bridges is counter-productive both politically and in terms of security.
I fully appreciate the significance of the Aghalane Bridge and the inconvenience its closure has caused to people residing in the locality. I am also aware of the detrimental economic effect which this closure has had on the town of Belturbet which has been cut off from its natural hinterland in Fermanagh.
The question of the Aghalane Bridge has been raised with the British authorities whose co-operation would be required if this bridge were to be reopened. I will continue to ensure that the British authorities are kept aware of our view on this issue.
I should like to ask the Taoiseach if he will place the restoration of Aghalane Bridge on the agenda for the next meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference? Will the Taoiseach agree to give this matter the priority it deserves because the closing of the bridge has had serious consequences for the town of Belturbet and the people of the area? The bridge is located on the through road from Cavan to Enniskillen and a line of traffic that is important to the town of Belturbet has been cut off. Will the Taoiseach accept that if the bridge is re-opened there is no reason why it cannot be properly manned?
I have every sympathy with the Deputy in his request and, indeed, with the people of the area in the deprivation they are suffering as a result of the closure of it. However, it is something on which we would have to have the co-operation of the British authorities and, so far, we have not been successful in securing that but we will continue with our efforts.
Will the Taoiseach agree that there are many Border crossings that could be opened without any threat to security? Their closure is having a damaging effect on nearby towns, such as Belturbet. Will the Taoiseach agree that this matter should be on the agenda for every meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference?
I cannot allow a widening of the scope of the question.
As the Deputy knows, this is a cause of concern and it is a matter which is at issue between the two Governments. The Deputy was fully involved in trying to have the position improved and the Government are continuing that work.