23/10/2012

EU Transport Policy Must Acknowledge Regional Variances

European Transport policy must take into account the existence of regional variances within transport needs in countries like Northern Ireland, according to Roads Minister Danny Kennedy.

The Minister made the comment during a visit to Northern Ireland from Brian Simpson, Chair of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee.

Mr Simpson’s visit came about as a result of the Minister’s recent trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Danny Kennedy had invited the EU Transport Chair to learn more about transport need and networks in Northern Ireland.

Minister Kennedy said: "European Transport policy needs to take account of regional variances in terms of transport needs and existing infrastructure. For example, unlike most parts of Europe, freight is transported entirely by road in Northern Ireland and it would not be economically viable to upgrade our rail network to transport freight."

The comments come as the European Parliament's Transport Committee considers a new Trans-European Transport Network Regulation (TEN-T) along with its funding instrument, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Regulation.

The Minister added: "The TEN-T and CEF regulations will determine how people and goods move throughout the EU for many years to come. It is important that we continue to work to ensure our transport infrastructure meets our future needs and supports economic growth by facilitating investment from other member states and beyond."

(IT)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
31 July 2023
PSNI And Translink Launch Summer Safety Campaign
The PSNI and Translink have launched a summer safety campaign, reminding the public of the importance of safety when they are out and about over the summer months.
06 July 2011
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
27 August 2024
New North West Transport Plan 2035 Proposed
The Department for Infrastructure has announced a public consultation on the draft proposals for the new North West Transport Plan 2035. The proposed Plan has been developed in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and others across the North West region.
08 August 2024
Transport Infrastructure Key To Supporting Hospitality And Tourism
Transport infrastructure plays a key role in supporting Northern Ireland's hospitality and tourism sectors, Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has said. Minister O'Dowd has met with the newly formed Connectivity Coalition to discuss how the transport, hospitality and tourism sectors can work together.