Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - Arklow (Wicklow) Freight Terminal.

Joe Jacob

Ceist:

442 Mr. Jacob asked the Minister for the Marine the consideration, if any, he has given to the recommendations contained in the report of the Forfás Transport and Logistics Group that a new roll-on roll-off terminal and port dedicated to freight be developed to serve the central corridor; whether he proposes to act positively on this recommendation; if he will consider Arklow, County Wicklow, as the location for this facility in view of its eminently suitable geographical location and its extensive new roads infrastructure which is currently being developed; his view on whether this would represent a positive step towards redressing the huge job losses in Arklow and its south Wicklow and north Wexford hinterland as a result of the rundown of traditional industry. [14382/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I am aware of the proposed roll-on roll-off project in Arklow and the arguments proposed in its favour.

The mid-term review of the Operational Programme for Transport 1994-99, including the ports element, will commence shortly.

This review will examine how the ports investment programme, including funding, is progressing and whether there will be any capacity to fund, during the second half of the programme, this or other suitable projects that meet EU selection criteria.