Vol. 559 No. 1
353 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport his views on the conclusion in the European Commission's 2001 White Paper on Transport Policy to 2010 in regard to the objective of further promoting rail freight traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25383/02]
I welcome the general thrust of the EU White Paper, entitled "European Transport Policy for 2010: Decision Time", particularly as regards shifting the balance in favour of public transport, introducing supporting measures, for example, through land use polices, and eliminating bottlenecks in the European transport system.
As to the future of rail freight in Ireland, the consultants undertaking the strategic rail review, which is due to be completed shortly, are taking account of the contents of the White Paper, particularly those relating to rail freight. I expect the review will enable me to establish, in consultation with Irish Rail, an appropriate framework for rail freight development in Ireland.
