Vol. 424 No. 6
21 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the Government's intention with regard to seeking EC funding for an integrated transport policy incorporating land, sea and air transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Work is already underway on the preparation of a National Development Plan which will set out the Government's proposals for the use of EC assistance under the next tranche of Structural Funds including the proposed Cohesion Funds. This is being co-ordinated by my colleague, the Minister for Finance. It is the Government's intention to seek EC funding, as part of that application, for an integrated package of transport investment proposals. Final decisions as to the level of assistance to be designated for transport investment will depend on the Government's assessment of overall national priorities and the outcome of detailed negotiations, still at an early stage, with the EC.
