WRITTEN QUESTION E-1096/00

by Joaquim Miranda (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(7 April 2000)

Subject: Environmental impact of the construction of a quay in the autonomous region of Madeira

A quay is currently under construction in the valley of Porto Novo (municipality of Santa Cruz, Autonomous Region of Madeira), for which Community funding is being provided under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The environment has already suffered serious damage owing to the dumping of soil along the coastline in preparation for construction of the quay, while the valley in question already harbours a number of sources of pollution affecting streams, seawater, the countryside and air quality.

Can the Commission say:

- What environmental impact studies were carried out before soil was dumped in the sea?

- What studies have been carried out prior to construction of the future quay at Porto Novo?

- What criteria does the European Union follow in awarding funding for this type of project?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2000)

Under the Operational Programme for the Autonomous Region of Madeira(1) the sum of ESC 375 million ( 1,87 million) was assigned for construction of a quay at the port of Porto Novo.

This decision of the managing authority for the programme was in line with its terms of reference and in conformity with the provisions of the relevant Community Regulations: Council Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 of 24 June 1988 on the tasks of the Structural Funds and their effectiveness and on coordination of their activities between themselves and with the operations of the European Investment Bank and the other existing financial instruments(2), Council Regulation (EEC) No 4253/88 of 19 December 1988 laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 as regards coordination of the activities of the different Structural Funds between themselves and with the operations of the European Investment Bank and the other existing financial instruments(3), and Council Regulation (EEC) No 4254/88 of 19 December 1988 laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 as regards the European Regional Development Fund(5) (respectively amended by Council Regulations (EEC) Nos 2081/93, 2082/93 and 2083/93 of 20 July 1993(4)).

The quay, which has a total length of 162 metres, is now complete. It has been constructed in order to take over a large proportion of the commercial activities of the port of Funchal, so freeing the latter for activities more attuned to its normal role as a tourist port.

The criteria set by the Community for the financing of projects of this type are indicated in the Operational Programme itself. They provide for the financing of port infrastructure in order to increase the number of ports and so guarantee good working conditions at Funchal. The Porto Novo sea terminal is specifically mentioned in the programme.

In the case of projects costing less than 25 million in total that are selected for Community part-financing it falls to the implementing national authorities to verify that all administrative and legal requirements are met, including compliance with the environmental rules in force.

(1) Commission Decision 464/final 2 of 4 March 1994.

(2) OJ L 185, 15.7.1988.

(3) OJ L 374, 31.12.1988.

(4) OJ L 193, 31.7.1993.

(5) OJ L 374, 31.12.1988.