Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 3

Written Answers. - Transport, Energy and Communications Policy.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

169 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the immense potential in pursuing a policy of alignment of the transport, energy and communications infrastructures North and South; his priorities in this regard; and the talks, if any, he has had with the Northern Ireland authorities on the matter. [7080/97]

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

I am quite aware of the potential of pursuing a policy of alignment of the transport, energy and communications infrastructures between Ireland and the North. Accordingly, I can assure the Deputy that very serious consideration has been given to, and will continue to be given to, the pursuit of such a policy. In particular, I should mention that the current development plans for each jurisdiction have paid close attention to the opportunities for expanding collaboration, in a range of areas, including the development of infrastructure networks in transport, energy and communications, in the context of European funding. Both the National Development Plan 1994-99 for Ireland and the Structural Funds Plan 1994-99 for Northern Ireland contain a common chapter setting out the rationale for closer economic co-operation; reviewing the progress which has already been made, and examining the scope for developing collaboration further.

In addition, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the current Joint INTERREG Programme for Northern Ireland and Ireland, which provides for an EU backed investment programme, over the period 1994-99 includes provisions for the development of the transport, energy and communications sectors in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The objective of the INTERREG Programme is the promotion, creation and development of networks of cross border co-operation and, where relevant, the linking of these networks to wider community networks, in the context of the completion of the Single Market.

In relation to the final part of the Deputy's question, I would point out that, while, as yet, I have not had any official talks with the Northern Ireland authorities, there are ongoing and well established contacts between my Department, and State companies for which I have responsibilty, and their Northern Ireland counterparts, about issues of mutal interest in the energy, transport and communications areas.