Vol. 424 No. 6
81 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she intends to seek EC funding to pursue the sea bridge principle; the Government's plans, if any, to further the proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In 1990, KPMG Stokes Kennedy Crowley on behalf of the Irish Government and the EC Commission examined Ireland's requirement for improved sea and air freight services. Based on the recommendations contained in their Access Transport Study, the Government applied to the EC Commission for initial priority investment in direct shipping services to mainland Europe which were regarded as essential by the consultants.
On 18 December 1991, the EC Commissioner for Regional Affairs indicated that the Commission was not in a position to agree to Ireland's proposal. Among the reasons cited by the Commission were difficulties in relation to distortion of competition.
Following direct personal intervention by me, the Commission agreed to consider a renewed application which would address, inter alia, the concerns which had been expressed by the Commission. The renewed application was forwarded to the Commission in April 1992.
There has been further extensive discussions between my officials and the Commission. Arising from these it was agreed to update aspects of the Access Transport Study. The Commission are at present considering the updated study and their response is awaited.
