WRITTEN QUESTION E-1243/00

by Giuseppe Di Lello Finuoli (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(14 April 2000)

Subject: Contract awarded by the municipality of Messina for the construction of a tramway funded by the European Union

The municipality of Messina (Italy) has contracted out the construction of a tramway to be financed with European funding worth Lit 148 billion.

There has already been a considerable delay in the envisaged timetable for the work and substantial environmental damage has been and is continuing to be done. For example, more than 3000 trees have been uprooted.

The project was drawn up and financed without an environmental impact assessment and phases of the project have allegedly been paid for without the prescribed checks being carried out.

Can the Commission give details of the whole process of granting funding for this project, in particular the checks carried out when phases of the project are paid for, and specify what amounts are involved?

Answer by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2000)

The multifund operational programme for Sicily for the 1994-1999 programme period includes (measure 3,5) aid for urban rail transport projects. The Region of Sicily applied for proposed part-financing of a tramway at Messina (Gazzi-Annunziata route).

The project is at present under examination by the Commission, which recently asked the regional authorities for additional information covering the aspects of the environmental impact assessment to which the Honourable Member refers.

Following its examination the Commission will decide on financing of the project.