By Joe Hanratty

IT WAS the end of an era in Lake View during the week when work began on the dismantling of the old Customs Post located in that part of the town.

Since the foundation of the state and the setting up of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic that customs post was a physical reminder of that division. For decades lorries stopped and had to check in there and have their cargo inspected by the customs officials.

It was the base for the mobile patrols and over the years it became very much part of the local landscape and indeed a landmark in the town.

Over those years many customs officials from all over Ireland served there with the late George Leonard being one of the longest serving officials at the Lake View post and one the last customs officers to serve at lake was Gerry Kennedy.

With the development and introduction of various European legislation, including the free movement of goods and services the days of the Blayney customs post were numbered and it was eventually closed. When then site is cleared the new facilities for the sub aqua club will be built on it.

The removal of the Custom’s Post is part of the wider plan for the development of that lake shore area.

While the town and the local residents are delighted with this new development there was nonetheless a sense of nostalgia voiced by the locals.

The Post held many memories of times gone by when locals as youngsters played in this area.

When lorries stooped they always needed helpers to travel north of the border and for many young residents this was a good opportunity for employment and earning money.

Indeed as a result many young people in the area had a greater familiarity with Belfast than Dublin.

Nonetheless the new development is welcomed and it is hoped that it won’t be long before the development is complete.