§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if it is the security forces' policy to close all unapproved border crossings; and, if not, what reasons are considered acceptable for keeping them open.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownNo. Unapproved border crossings may be closed in areas of high terrorist activity where it is judged that road closures will contribute to a reduction in violence. A road which might otherwise be closed may be left open if alternative means of controlling it can be found.
§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many crossings along the County Armagh land frontier with Eire have now been closed.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownSince September 1973, when the present phase of border closures began, 11 unapproved crossings along the border between County Armagh and the Republic of Ireland have been closed. Ten unapproved crossings remain closed from previous operations.
§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the closure of the unapproved border crossing commonly called the Flagstaff Road between Newry and Omeath.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe closure of the unapproved border crossing between Newry and Omeath, commonly called the Flagstaff Road, took place at the end of June and beginning of July. The Irish security forces subsequently undertook 21W to mount a permanent vehicle check point on their side of the crossing and it has now been reopened.