Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the delay in opening a Border crossing (details supplied) in County Donegal which is holding back economic development potential; the way funding can be accessed to bring the road and bridge back up to a proper standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34724/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is of the view that all the remaining Border crossings closed by the British authorities on grounds of security should be reopened as part of the wider process of security normalisation in Northern Ireland, and in order to facilitate regional economic development.

We have raised the status of the crossing in question with the British authorities through the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat and will revert to the Deputy with further information as soon as possible.

Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with his counterpart in the North of Ireland to advance the development of the A5 road from Aughnacloy to Derry, in view of the fact that improvements have already occurred on the N2 from Dublin to Aughnacloy; and if he will make a statement on the need for an integrated approach north and south to the development of a road of the same standard into the north west that is already being progressed through the National Development Plan for the rest of the island, including Belfast. [34725/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have actively pursued co-operation on the economic development of the North West in my discussions with Secretary of State, Peter Hain.

Earlier this year we launched the North West Gateway Initiative. This Initiative covers cross-Border co-operation in a wide range of sectors from enterprise development to health and educational services in the region. The Initiative also included a commitment to examine the potential for joint investment in key infrastructure projects.

In line with that commitment, the respective roads agencies North and South have undertaken some preliminary research on potential road infrastructure projects which would benefit cross-Border routes in general and the North West in particular. This research included both the N2/A5 route from Dublin to Derry and the A6 from Belfast to Derry. The initial results of that research are being considered by the two Governments.

Both Governments recognise that the upgrading of the road network is essential to the future prosperity and competitiveness of the North West.