91997E3806

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3806/97 by Roberto Mezzaroma (UPE) to the Commission (17 November 1997)

Subject: Construction of the Messina Bridge

Is the Commission in a position to report on the future construction of the bridge across the Strait of Messina, and indicate in particular:

1. how much funding the EU has allocated to it and for how many years;

2. whether a project has been drawn up and, if so, by which consultancy; the cost of the project and the project's financial backers;

3. whether the project carries proper guarantees for the construction of the bridge, from the environmental and geological points of view and from the point of view of links between the continent and Sicily;

4. whether the instructions issued by the EU have been complied with;

5. which firms will take part in the competition for tenders to carry out the project?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (30 January 1998)

The Community has not committed any funds for the development of the Messina Strait bridge.

Concerning the procedures for the awarding of the design and execution of the work, the Italian authorities have informed the Commission that they are subject to the approval of a new law. The preliminary design have been awarded to the company called Stretto di Messina S.p.A; according to law No 1158 of 17 December 1971 and to interministry decree No 3437 of 27 December 1985.