Vol. 444 No. 1
52 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider a Bailey Bridge in the short-term at Aghalane, Belturbet, County Cavan; if he will raise the issue with the British Government to ensure the restoration of the national primary road from Dublin to Enniskillen; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am very much aware of the problems caused by closed cross-Border roads, including the particular difficulties associated with the closure of Aghalane Bridge. I have raised the question of road closures on several occasions at meetings of the Anglo-Irish Conference, and have drawn the particular attention of the British authorities to the disruption caused by the closure of the National Primary Route linking Dublin and Enniskillen. I have emphasised the negative economic and social impact of the closure, including in the context of the recently re-opened Shannon-Erne Waterway.
In the light of these discussions both Governments have agreed to keep the situation regarding road closures under close review, taking fully into account the wider social and economic factors as well as the security considerations involved. In this regard I will ensure that all of the factors relevant to the situation at Aghalane, including the possible scope for the erection of temporary structures at the crossing, will be fully considered. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to pursue this issue at future meetings of the Anglo-Irish Conference.
