Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
621. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions or meetings with investors with a view to his Department or a body under its aegis co-financing transport investment projects under the European Fund for Strategic Investment. [6737/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra622. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the advice he has received from his Department on the ability to increase the scope of capital expenditure on critical transport infrastructure by contributing towards the financing of specific projects via co-finance or financial guarantees under the European Fund for Strategic Investment. [6738/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 621 and 622 together.
I and my officials encourage Irish organisations in the transport sector including agencies under my remit, to avail of all EU Co-funding and financial assistance available including EFSI.
In December 2015, officials from the EIB and European Commission as well as the Innovation and Executives Agency (INEA) were invited by my Department to give an Information Session to Irish organisations in the transport sector including agencies under the remit of the Department. At this Information Session, funding options for transport projects were presented including options regarding the Connecting Europe Facility, EIB and EFSI. The Department also arranged as part of the event for a number of bi-lateral introductory meetings between EIB and INEA and transport companies and agencies.
Earlier this month and based on recommendations from my Department, I gave letters of support to a number of Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) projects put forward for direct EU grant provision in the fields of Single European Skies Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR), Motorways of the Sea and Intelligent Transport Systems for Roads. With the support of my Department, a number of State ports and other State bodies under the Department's responsibility have applied for and are receiving CEF grants to bring forward transport projects that address critical bottlenecks and capacity constraints in transport infrastructure.
There is at present a CEF Blending call open which consists of blending CEF direct grant provisions with financial instruments and packages from the EIB including EFSI. This call has been brought to the attention of all relevant organisations under the remit of my Department by my officials.
