Dáil Éireann - Volume 517 - 29 March, 2000

Written Answers. - Ireland-UK Tunnel.

Mr. McGrath Mr. McGrath

90. Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if proposals have been put forward to her regarding the provision of a tunnel linking Ireland and Britain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9175/00]

Mrs. O'Rourke Mrs. O'Rourke

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke): In 1997, I received a letter from a UK-based engineering company seeking financial support for a feasibility study into the proposed construction of an immersed tube tunnel between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The proposal was referred to the technical assistance committee of the Operational Programme for Transport to consider whether it had any merit.

The technical assistance committee concluded that an Irish Sea tunnel was unlikely to generate adequate revenues to remunerate costs in the foreseeable future and that financial assistance should not be provided for the proposed feasibility study. This information was conveyed to the company concerned in June 1998.

Dáil Éireann 517 Written Answers. Ireland-UK Tunnel.

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