Vol. 427 No. 3
104 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his preferred options for the provision of a fast, efficient and safe sea transport system with a view to giving Irish exporters ready access to European markets.
My preferred options for the provision of a fast, efficient and safe sea transport system linking Irish exporters with European markets would involve a combination of modern technology Ro/Ro and Lo/Lo shipping services backed up by adequate portal and other infrastructure and services.
This is consistent with the application made to the European Commission for EC funding of external access transport services with specific priority sought for direct Ro/Ro and Lo/Lo shipping services to the European mainland.
The application was based on an Access Transport Study completed in 1990 which concluded that investment in road, rail, port and other infrastructure would be insufficient without a parallel upgrading of external access transport services.
Despite a negative reaction from the European Commission, who is concerned about the effects that EC funding of ships might have on competition, the application continues to be pursued with the Commission with a view to improving the quality and competitiveness of these important external links.
In conclusion, I should perhaps remind the Deputy that responsibility for Lo/Lo shipping, maritime safety and the development of ports rests with my colleague, the Minister for Defence and the Marine.
