Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 8

Written Answers. - Ireland-Britain Tunnel.

Liam Burke

Question:

259 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the evaluations, if any, which have been undertaken or envisaged on the possibility of a tunnel linking Ireland and Britain; the reports, if any, which are available on the viability or otherwise of such an operation; the possibility, if any, of a link-up between Ireland and Britain of a type similar to the Britain/France tunnel; the studies, if any, which have been undertaken, either at national or EU level, of a similar tunnel linking the two main islands in Japan; the lessons, if any, which have been drawn from such an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7447/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

I do not have any responsibilities, as Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, for policy formulation in the maritime area. Accordingly, I have not instructed my Department to undertake any evaluation on the possibility of a tunnel linking Ireland and Britain; neither have any reports, of the type indicated by the Deputy, been examined officially by my Department.