Ireland is being discriminated against by the EU common policy for rail, road, inland waterway, maritime and air transport.That was the key message delivered by the Mayor of Clare today as she hosted a visit to Ireland by members of the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN). The visit was organised by Ireland North West MEPs and TRAN members Sean O’Neachtain and Jim Higgins. Addressing the Committee at a reception in Aras Contae an Chláir, Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn called for a review of the EU Transportation Policy that took into account Ireland’s unique status as an island nation within the EU.
“As citizens of the EU, Irish people are being somewhat discriminated against by the transportation rules which are geared toward continental countries. These common rules give little consideration to Ireland’s unique transportation needs as a country that is cut off from the rest of Europe,” stated the Mayor. Mayor Taylor Quinn urged the committee members to consider a review of the rules that apply to transportation to and from Ireland, particularly with regard to grant support for mobile assets such as aircraft and ferries.
“The EU Transportation Policy’s focus on the establishment and development of trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure is of particular benefit to continental member states. However, Ireland’s island status has been overlooked and its economic competitiveness and international connectivity has been seriously undermined as a result. Furthermore, the country also faces higher transportation costs than its European counterparts,” commented the Mayor.
She continued, “Any future review of the common rules must take into consideration Ireland’s geographic position. For example, Ireland does not benefit directly from significant EU support for infrastructure projects such as transcontinental rail or road links. Greater equality in relation to accessibility into the European mainland market must be introduced in the interests of fair play for all EU member states.”
The Mayor, however, complimented the EU for its support of major infrastructural projects such as the N7 Limerick to Dublin national primary road and the ongoing development of the Atlantic Road Corridor which runs from Letterkenny to Waterford. “These projects provide excellent connectivity within the country itself. However, TRAN must look to enhancing connectivity between Ireland the wider Union by pledging increased support to air and sea terminals across the country. One such support could be the provision of grant aid towards the reopening of the strategically important Cork to Swansea sea route,” she concluded.
