Minister Meets EU Transport Commissioner

2 June 2005
MINISTER MEETS EU TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER
Transport Minister Shaun Woodward has met with Jacques Barrot, Vice President of the European Commission and EU Transport Commissioner.
During Commissioner Barrot’s one day visit to Northern Ireland, the Minister
said: "It was good to meet with the Commissioner. This was a useful opportunity to discuss a broad range of transport issues which have a direct impact on Northern Ireland."
The EU has given substantial funding to Northern Ireland, allowing many improvements to our transport infrastructure, including roads, railways and bus services.
Mr Woodward briefed the Commissioner on the way in which Northern Ireland’s key transport links are being developed using the funding provided in the Budget in December 2004.
Commissioner Barrot expressed particular interest in the rail link to Larne. The Minister confirmed the Budget had allocated over Ł115m for the rail networks over the next three years.
"This money will fund the completion of track relaying as far as Whitehead, and will ensure the maintenance of the track from Whitehead to Larne," said the Minister.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel 028 9054 0007.

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