Vol. 485 No. 2
46 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the diversion of EU funding to the upgrading of the Maynooth to Connolly rail line and signalling and associated works at Barron Street in the event of the Luas project not making the EU established deadline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22791/97]
54 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if a decision has been made on alternative use of EU funding for the Luas project should the Luas project fail to meet the strict-time-scale laid down by Commissioner Wulf-Mathies in view of the further examination of the undergrounding of the system. [22790/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 54 together.
The question of reallocation of Structural Funds is a matter for the Community Support Framework monitoring committee which includes representatives of the national authorities and the EU Commission.
It is premature to talk about the diversion of EU funding away from the Luas project. The mid-term review of the Community Support Framework provided that a review of the EU funding allocated for the light rail project will take place in spring 1998 at which stage the results of the study of the underground option will be available.
The specific requirements of the Dublin-May-nooth suburban rail service are being evaluated as part of the review of Dublin's suburban rail development needs. This is being undertaken by CIE at present and will provide the basis for discussions with the European Commission on investment priorities and funding aspects. I understand that CIE hopes to finalise the review early in 1998.
