Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the Government's announcement that work will commence in the near future to reopen the two cross-Border bridges along the Monaghan border outside Glaslough, discussion has taken place with the people who live along the road to the old Annaroe Bridge regarding the need to re-open this bridge in view of the fact that the railway bridge at the other end of this road has limited access; if the capital cost of same will be used for more beneficial cross border projects; the cost relating to the restructuring of Annaroe Bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25360/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to ensuring that all border crossings closed by the British authorities on grounds of security in the 1970s are reopened as part of the wider process of security normalisation in Northern Ireland, and in order to facilitate regional economic development.

Of the 104 closed cross-border roads in 1994, only the crossings at Annaghroe and Knockaginney have yet to be reopened. Agreement was reached earlier this year with the Northern Ireland authorities to re-open the two roads, including the construction of the two bridges.

The Minister for Transport has given a commitment to fund the replacement of the two bridges and the approach roads in County Monaghan. The combined estimated cost of replacing both bridges is £2 million sterling and that of the approach roads in County Monaghan €340,000. The Northern Ireland Roads Service has also agreed to improve the approach roads in Northern Ireland, which are estimated to cost in the region of £200,000 Sterling.

Following a public tendering process, Monaghan County Council is now proceeding to appoint consultants to develop the design and co-ordinate the consultation process.

It is envisaged that there will be an extensive public consultation process on possible designs, including meetings in suitable locations both in Monaghan and Northern Ireland. Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, work should commence in mid 2008.