WRITTEN QUESTION E-1872/00

by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(9 June 2000)

Subject: Rail network and Structural Funds 2000-2006 in Sardinia

Sardinia's rail network (which comprises some 1 000 km of track, of which only 435 km is standard-gauge) is in an extremely bad state. Despite this, Sardinia is not eligible for aid to improve its rail services under the national operational plan for transport for 2000-2006 (Programma Operativo Nazionale Trasporti, or PONT), as aid is available only in connection with the trans-European networks. The national operational plan for transport for 1994-1999 also allocated Sardinia only ITL 50 billion (out of a national total of ITL 3 800 billion), for one line which has not yet been completed (Campeda-Bonorva). The planning agreement concluded in April 1999 between the Italian State, the region and the FS (national railway) goes only some way towards making up the shortfall left by the previous thirty years of under-investment: the relevant framework programme agreement (APQ 5) provides for funding only for the Cagliari-Oristano and Sassari-Porto Torres routes(1), and the sums allocated, though substantial, are certainly not enough to address the needs of a network on which 80 % of the traffic travels at commercial speeds of less than 70 or 75 kph. The agreement concluded between the State and the region explicitly notes the limited nature of the funding provided and the need to draw up a second framework programme agreement (APG 5a) for the provision of aid to improve the network as a whole, goods transport and privately operated rail services. The Commission is currently in negotiations with the Italian State over PONT 2000-2006 and with the Sardinia region over the regional operational programme for 2000-2006 (POR). Neither document provides for significant investment in Sardinia's rail sector, concentrating solely on the development of the island's road system and ports.

Could the Commission do its best to ensure that the objectives of PONT 2000-2006 include action to modernise and improve the speed of traffic on the FS network in central and northern Sardinia? Would it be possible for the measures already planned under the State/region/FS agreement to be included in PONT 2000-2006, thus making the Sardinian rail network eligible for a corresponding injection of Community funds? Could the

Commission take steps to ensure that the measures included in the regional operational programme for 2000-2006 include action to upgrade and modernise the mountain routes known as the Trenino verde (little green train) and the inter-urban routes Olbia/Golfo Aranci, Tempio/Arzachena/Palau, Alghero/Sassari/Sorso, Bosa/Macomer/Nuoro, Sorgono/Isili/Mandas/Tortoli, Carbonia/Iglesias/Decimo/Cagliari and Senorbi/Dolianova/Cagliari?

(1) ITL 510 billion, which has already been included in the FS operating plan.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2000)

The Commission is aware that Sardinia's transport network is underdeveloped.

The Sardinia regional operational programme proposed for the 2000-2006 programming period (negotiations are currently being finalised) includes two transport measures. The first aims to improve the island's internal communication network, while the second is dedicated to mobility in the Cagliari and Sassari urban centres (constructing a light underground railway line). Particularly as regards the first measure, the region has opted for a strategy which concentrates available funds on improving the basic road network and on intermodal infrastructure, given that railways are covered by national funding made available under the framework programme agreement. The region of course remains free to propose a change of strategy should it wish to do so.

As regards the national operational programme for transport, since the Commission has not yet started formal negotiations with the Italian authorities it cannot at this stage comment on the programme's content.