8 April 1999 Edition

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Border-busters vindicated

By Mícheál MacDonncha

Aghalane Bridge which links Counties Cavan and Fermanagh and carries the only national cross-border route closed by the British Army during the course of the recent conflict ,was reopened on 1 April. The bridge has been renamed the George Mitchell Peace Bridge.

Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin described the reopening of the Aghalane Bridge after 25 years as ``highly symbolic'' and ``however belated'' a most welcome development.

Deputy O Caoláin said: ``The reopening of the only national cross-border route closed by the British Army during the course of the recent conflict is highly symbolic. It symbolises the peace process itself and its huge potential to bring together all the people of Ireland across the partition boundary.

``This is a most welcome development for the Cavan/Fermanagh border area, however belated. I commend those communities who over many years campaigned for this and other roads to be reopened. In their efforts to end division and disruption they helped to pave the way for the peace process.

``Aghalane's reopening also symbolises what has yet to come and what must be done, not least the final removal of the British army and all their intrusive military infrastructure from the border region and from throughout the Six Counties.''

Deputy O Caoláin joined his party colleagues Robin Martin, Vice-Chair of Fermanagh District Council and Gerry McHugh, Assembly member for Fermanagh/South Tyrone, at a reception following the reopening of the bridge.

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