Freight traffic between Irish and UK ports is fairly evenly divided between Liverpool, Holyhead and the Southern ports of Fishguard and Pembroke on the UK side. However, the main difficulties experienced by exporters relate to the A5-A55 road linking Holyhead and the UK motorway network at Chester. While the Deputy will appreciate that the matter is not my direct responsibility, I understand that about 55 miles of the 75 mile route is now up to dual carriageway standard. Work is already under way or planned on an additional ten miles. Last December, the former UK Secretary of State for Wales announced that plans were being developed to convert the whole of the remaining ten miles of the route from Holyhead across the island of Anglesey to dual carriageway standard.
On the broader front, the National Development Plan, 1989 to 1993, confirmed the Government's intention to improve Ireland's access links to Britain and the Continent in the interests of our overall competitiveness. I advised the House in response to a Parliamentary Question on 1 February last of details of a major consultancy project which has recently been commissioned by my Department to examine, inter alia, the feasibility of investment in improved sea and air freight services between Ireland and other EC countries. This study, which is expected to be completed in about two months, will also consider the adequacy of existing infrastructure in and around major ports of destination for Irish exports. Recommendations arising from the feasibility study will be given careful consideration with a view to appropriate action being taken to improve Ireland's trading access to Britain and the Continent. I know that the European Commission is favourably disposed towards Ireland's position, and I will approach the Commission in any case where it is necessary to impress upon the UK Government the need to facilitate trade to and from Ireland.
