Make use of European Funding to improve transport links -Dallat

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John Dallat

( November 27, 2012, UK, Refugee News Network )-SDLP MLA for East Derry John Dallat has urged the Minister for Regional Development to make use of European Funding to improve transport links across the island.

Mr. Dallat was speaking during an assembly motion today on EU funding 2014-2015. He said:?I am sure that anyone who has had the opportunity to examine the list of pre-identified projects submitted by other member states will realise immediately that there is much to be gained from having a clear focus on the transport projects which qualify under European funding for 2014-2020.

?One of the earliest news items I recall after Ireland and Britain joined the then European Economic Community were television pictures of trains being able to cross Europe from one country to the other unrestricted.  That was breaking news but it was soon realised that there was much more to be done in terms of reshaping the transport infrastructure in a way which was visionary and relative to a modern Europe.

?In the meantime much has been done to address a very complex issue and much more needs to be done and hopefully will be done so that here in this part of the European Union we can benefit from the availability of grant aid to address the bottlenecks and indeed the areas where even bottlenecks are not possible.

?The European Commission in its policy document TEN-T addressed the complexity of the issue in a very detailed way and as a result Derry was deemed to fit within the overall objective of the TEN-T which was in essence to provide a framework for the development of infrastructure for the smooth functioning of the internal market and for ensuring economic, social and territorial cohesion and improved accessibility across the EU.

?Our amendment is important, indeed essential, if we are not to rely on one individual minister to pursue the objectives that have been identified.  In the short time available it is critical that there is continuous attention paid to delivering the key objectives if Ireland as a whole is to benefit in the same way as many other European member states will benefit from the financial aid available to drive forward a transport infrastructure that is fit for purpose in a modern Europe capable of competing in a world market where time and accessibility is of the essence.

?Whatever our political differences there should be no difference when it comes to driving forward a transport infrastructure which is fit for purpose.

?There is no good reason why we should not have a rail transport system which is capable of operating from Cork to Derry and many people ask why this issue is not further up the agenda.

?Likewise the Knockmore line between Antrim and Lisburn remains mothballed preventing any serious attempt to introduce a direct rail service between Derry and Dublin.  That is not the image of a modern state within the European Union and I suggest that if it existed in any other part of the EU it would be a priority to be tacked without delay.

?Several times in the current year the SDLP has discussed with the Dublin government the need for co-operation in building cross-border transport infrastructures dealing with road, rail, air and indeed the vexed question of the Foyle Ferry Service which is currently tied up in dock.

?We believe the North South Ministerial Council transport sector which has responsibility for reviewing and updating the transport policy for the island is the most appropriate body for the Minister for Regional Development to work for.  In that way there is a better chance of co-ordinating the transport aspects of EU gross-border programmes and developing plans for specific cross-border projects.

?We are now part of a much bigger European Community where our economic strength is measured by the speed at which we can move goods and indeed people.  We have particular problems in that we are an island people with opportunities for better connection with our neighbouring islands and here I believe the European Union is committed to helping us build that new infrastructure which is so essential, so necessary if we are to be part of that new and modern Europe.?

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