Vol. 451 No. 8
137 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals, if any, he has to review the Operational Programme for Transport, 1994 to 1999, in view of the peace process which has generated cross-Border travel. [7480/95]
There is provision in the Operational Programme for Transport for a mid-term review in the first half of 1997. This will provide an appropriate opportunity to thoroughly assess the permanent impact of the peace process on cross-Border travel. The external evaluator, an independent consultant who advises on the implementation and monitoring of the programme, has been asked to consider what research needs to be undertaken in the intervening period leading up to the mid-term review.
In the meantime, there will be substantial investment under the Operational Programme and the Cohesion Fund in cross-Border road and rail links. Roads in Border counties will also benefit from an investment of £6 million under the INTERREG II Community Initiative in 1995 and about £1.8 million in State grants is being provided over 1994/95 to reopen cross-Border roads which had been subject to closure orders by the Northern authorities. Further road investment in Border areas in being considered under the European Commission's special support programme for peace and reconciliation.
