EU Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2015

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

Ceisteanna (632, 633)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

632. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the North Sea - Mediterranean corridor study released by the European Commission; his further views that Ireland will be in compliance with the TEN-T guidelines for the core network corridor; the work plans his Department has in place to ensure Ireland will be in compliance with the requirement that core airports have connections to both TEN-T road and rail networks by 2050, with links to the high-speed rail network where possible and feasible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5880/15]

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

633. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views that the proposed bus rapid transit service to Dublin Airport would make Ireland compliant with its responsibility under Article 41.3 (European Union Regulation 1315/2013) with regard to technical requirements for the core network infrastructure. [5881/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 632 and 633 together.  

The Report on the North Sea-Mediterranean Corridor has been prepared by consultants, with inputs from stakeholders including Member States on this corridor, through Corridor Forum Meetings chaired by the European Coordinator for the North Sea-Mediterranean Corridor, Professor Peter Balazs.

The Work Plan for the North Sea Mediterranean Corridor for the North Sea prepared by Professor Balazs, focusing on the period to 2030, is being considered by my Department.

The TEN-T regulations requirements for core airports include road and rail links and the Department is considering how these can be achieved over the timeframe set out in the Regulations. Clarification is being sought from the European Commission on interpretation of Article 41.3, technical requirements regarding rail connections to a core network airport.