Vol. 414 No. 9
33 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the terms of reference under which his Department referred the review of the Shannon Estuary to SFADCo; the terms of reference under which the review is taking place; and the date on which the findings are due to be presented.
In March 1989 the Government requested the Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited to prepare a comprehensive strategic study on the Shannon Estuary. SFADCo completed and submitted the report in October 1989.
I am arranging for the terms of reference for the study to be circulated in the Official Report.
Terms of Reference
To prepare a comprehensive strategic study, taking account of previous surveys and studies carried out in recent years, and to include the following: the natural and economic advantages of the estuary and its existing facilities; the potential for integrated development of the estuary, with careful regard to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment for (a) industry; (b) energy and services; (c) transport and distribution, including port, shipping, air transport and transhipment facilities; (d) tourism and recreational facilities; and (e) development of the natural resorces of the region. The role of the existing installations in the estuary in such an integrated development; a draft outline plan for the optimum development of the estuary; and an estimate of the development costs involved and possible sources of funding.
