HC Deb 06 November 1997 vol 300 cc293-4W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the location of permanent vehicle checkpoints in Northern Ireland in September 1994 and September 1997, indicating anticipated changes in the next six months providing there is no major change in the overall security context. [13059]

Mr. Ingram

The locations of permanent vehicle checkpoints in Northern Ireland in September 1994 and September 1997 are as follows:

As at September 1994 As at September 1997
Middletown Removed
Cloghoge (Newry/Dublin Road) Inactive but structure still present
Aughnacloy Inactive but structure still present
Bessbrook X3 Reduced structures but still in use
Bessbrook High Street Removed
Mahon Road, Portadown X2 Still in use
Letterkenny Road, Londonderry Inactive but structure still present

detained in each of the holding centres in each of the last six months, by (a) gender and (b) perceived religious/community origin. [13065]

Mr. Ingram

Set out below are details on the number of persons detained in each of the three holding centres in each month from April to September, categorised by gender. The religious/community origin of persons detained is not recorded.

As at September 1994 As at September 1997
Buncrana Road, Londonderry Removed
Muff, Culmore Road, Londonderry Inactive but structure still present
The Hump, Strabane Inactive but structure still present
Clady Removed
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
Clonatty Bridge Inactive but structure still present
Kilturk Removed
Donegall Pass, Belfast Removed
Belfast International Airport Inactive for a period, but returned to use following end of ceasefire

Since the ceasefire many of the permanent vehicle checkpoints are no longer used as checkpoints, however the structures are still manned—they fall into the category which reads "Inactive but structure still present".

In addition, the Civilian Search Unit manned vehicle checkpoints in Belfast at five locations—Royal Avenue, High Street, Queen Street, Donegall Place and Victoria Square. These were removed in September 1994.

All security measures, including permanent vehicle checkpoints are continually reviewed; any changes will depend on the assessment of threat at the time.