§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the location of permanent vehicle checkpoints in (i) September 1997 and (ii) October 1998, indicating where structures have been dismantled or removed. [56381]
§ Mr. IngramThe locations of permanent vehicle checkpoints in Northern Ireland in September 1997 and October 1998 are as follows:
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As at September 1997 As at October 1998 Cloghogue (Newry/Dublin Road) PVCP removed—Patrol Base still in use Aughnacloy To be removed (announced 30 September) Bessbrook (3) Reduced structures but still in use Mahon Road, Portadown (2) Removed Letterkenny Road, Londonderry Inactive and vacated but structure still present Muff, Culmore Road, Londonderry Inactive and vacated but structure still present The Hump, Strabane Inactive and vacated but structure still present Rosscor Bridge Inactive but structure still present Wattle Bridge Inactive but structure still present Mullan Bridge Inactive but structure still present Gortmullan Inactive but structure still present Annaghmartin Inactive but structure still present Killyvilly Inactive but structure still present Clonalty Bridge Inactive but structure still present Belfast International Airport Inactive and vacated but structure still present In September 1997 there were 18 permanent vehicle checkpoints in Northern Ireland. Only three are still in operation, for the protection of the security force base at Bessbrook, Country Down. Two have been totally removed, one partially (the adjacent patrol base is still occupied). A further 8 structures are still present and manned, although the checkpoint is inactive. Three others have been vacated by the security forces. The remaining one at Aughnacloy will be demolished shortly. The continuing need for permanent vehicle checkpoints is kept under constant review. Any further changes will depend on the assessment of threat at the time.