Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 3 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 3

Written Answers. - Channel Tunnel Developments.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

17 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if any studies have been carried out by his Department to examine the consequences of the Channel Tunnel for transport policy for this country; and, if so, if he will give the main recommendations of same.

Peter Barry

Ceist:

25 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will investigate the possibility of establishing a boat-train link between Ireland and Britain to allow exporters benefit from the Channel Tunnel in 1995.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. S. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 25 together.

My Department are continuing to monitor closely developments in relation to the Channel Tunnel. The extent to which our passenger and freight movements will benefit from the advent of the Channel Tunnel from June 1993 onwards will depend on the quality of the road and rail link between the Channel Tunnel and the ports on the west coast of Britain serving Ireland. As recently as 27 March 1990 I made my concern known about the necessity and importance of good roads and fact integrated rail links within Britain for Irish passenger and freight traffic to the British authorities.

As regards specific access transport options, Deputies will be aware that a consultancy study was recently commissioned by my Department to examine how access links between Ireland, Britain and the Continent of Europe can be improved. This study will also, of course, take account of developments in relation to the Channel Tunnel and the Single Market. The Commission of the European Communities is represented on the steering committee for the study. The situation regarding the possible impact of the Channel Tunnel on Ireland and possible options for improving access transport services will be reviewed in the light of the consultants' report which I expect to be completed in four to six weeks' time.