asked the Minister for Finance if he will make the Ballyconnell-Derrylin Road an approved road for the convenience of cross-Border traders.

38.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide customs facilities in the Ballyconnell area of County Cavan, having regard to the fact that an approved road leading into Northern Ireland from Belturbet has been unusable for some time following damage to Aughalane bridge.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.

The possibility of approving the Ballyconnell-Derrylin Road for customs purposes is being examined in the light of facilities already approved for cross-Border traffic for this sector of the land frontier.

Is the Minister aware that south Fermanagh, north-west Cavan, north-cast and south Leitrim are regarded as one area commercially? Is he further aware that the traders in that area are considerably hampered by the situation?

The Deputy may be assured that I am aware of the inconvenience caused to the people in the area in question particularly following the destruction of the frontier bridge at Aughalane. The Deputy will also appreciate that the question of granting a concession is not a matter within the entire discretion of the Irish Revenue Authorities, but I am hopeful it may be possible to arrange for better facilities to be provided.

Does the Minister realise that a bridge was provided there by the Dublin Government and it in turn was destroyed?

Yes, indeed, unfortunately.

Did the Minister have representations from Mr. Ennis, who does all the trading through Fermanagh, and could he say what his views on the representations were?

The Deputy may be assured that all proper representations have been made and will continue to be made, and I am hopeful they will soon materialise in better facilities being available.