Vol. 460 No. 7
24 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has to ensure greater integration of the Transport, Energy and Communications infrastructure in the Republic with that of Northern Ireland. [2026/96]
I can assure the Deputy that very serious consideration has been given to, and will continue to be given to, ensuring greater integration of the transport, energy and communications infrastructures between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
In particular, the current development plans for each jurisdiction have paid close attention to the opportunities for expanding collaboration, in a range of areas, including the development of infrastructure networks in transport, energy and communications, in the context of European funding.
Both the National Development Plan 1994-1999 for Ireland and the Structural Funds Plan 1994-1999 for Northern Ireland contain a common chapter setting out the rationale for closer economic co-operation, reviewing the progress which has already been made and examining the scope for developing collaboration further.
In addition, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Joint Interreg Programme for Northern Ireland and Ireland 1994-1999 which provides for an EU backed investment programme of £68 million on the development of the transport, energy and communications sectors over the years 1994-1999 in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The objective of the Interreg Programme is the promotion, creation and development of networks of cross-border co-operation and, where relevant, the linking of these networks to wider community networks, in the context of the completion of the Single Market.
Investment in energy, telecommunications and transport and especially road transport networks will facilitate access to the main strategic road networks and domestic and external markets.
