Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 31 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 8

Written Answers. - Border Crossings.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

48 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, which are being taken to open, on the Northern Ireland section, the Border crossing at Coney Road/Cannings Lane, Muff, County Donegal, to facilitate local traffic and those affected by the major sewerage scheme development, which could be offset by the use of this road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19980/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I refer the Deputy to my replies to her previous written questions of 21 May 1996, 8 October 1996 and 15 October 1996 with regard to the re-opening of the section of Cannings Lane/Coney Road, Kilderry, Muff, County Donegal which lies in Northern Ireland.

I am aware of the concern locally that this crossing point has not been fully and permanently reopened and of traffic difficulties resulting from the seweratge scheme referred to by the Deputy. As I indicated in my reply of 15 October 1996, this matter has been raised again on my instructions with the British authorities through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat.

The British authorities have now responded through the Secretariat that, since this crossing was formally opened on 7 May 1996, an attempt has been made to block the road on the Northern side of the Border. The British authorities further state that they consider that responsibility to enforce the public right of way under law now lies with Derry City Council.

I would like to assure the Deputy that we will continue to pursue this matter with the British authorities through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat with a view to the full and permanent reopening of the crossing in question.