Vol. 429 No. 3
64 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he proposes to take to ensure ongoing discussions with the UK authorities on such matters as the upgrading of the port of Holyhead, given the importance of access to and egress from Ireland in the context of tourism.
Discussions have taken place at various levels with the UK authorities concerning the upgrading of the port of Holyhead. As recently as last month I met the Earl of Caithness, Under-Secretary of State at the UK Department of Transport. We both agreed that transport links on the Irish Sea, in particular the development of the "central corridor" would be the subject of joint review by both our Departments. These links will be strengthened over the coming months. There will be continued liaison with the UK authorities on matters relating to Holyhead.
The Department of the Marine is also discussing various Holyhead issues with the shipping operators and port authorities concerned as well as with the European Commission with the aim of developing the range, quality and competitiveness of services on the central corridor.
