WRITTEN QUESTION P-1746/03 by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission. Carrickmines Castle archeological finds.
Date: 2003-05-20
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Ireland, environmental impact, heritage protection, impact study, motorway

C 33 E/164

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2004

(2004/C 33 E/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1746/03

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(20 May 2003)

Subject: Carrickmines Castle archeological finds

Could the Commission please indicate the current position as regards its investigations into the
Environmental Impact Assessment carried out under Directive 85/337/EEC (1) and, in particular, its failure
to the
to appraise the impact on the archaeological heritage of
Commission’s answer to Oral Question H-0649/02 (2), will it please indicate when it expects to report on
its investigation, bearing in mind the urgent nature of this situation, given the imminent destruction of this
archaeological treasure?

the Carrickmines site? Further

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.
(2) Written reply dated 22 October 2002.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(24 June 2003)

The Commission confirms that its appraisal as regards the adequacy of assessment of archaeological
impacts under the environmental
impact assessment (EIA) carried out on the M50 motorway project
pursuant to Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain
public and private projects on the environment, as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March
1997 (1), is ongoing. This assessment raises precise technical questions that require careful examination.
Separately the Commission is aware that work on this site has been halted by a legal action in the national
courts related to compliance with national
It is conscious of the desirability of advancing the
examination of the EIA aspects, and hopes to be able to convey more precise information to the
Honourable Member within the next two months.

law.

(1) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.

(2004/C 33 E/162)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1748/03

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(26 May 2003)

Subject: Compulsory testing of passenger cars

Could the Commission please indicate the current position in each Member State regarding the
implementation of Council Directive 96/96/EC (1) on the compulsory testing of passenger cars over four
years old every two years. Is the Commission planning to review that Directive?

(1) OJ L 46, 17.2.1997, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2003)

Roadworthiness testing within the Union is governed by Council Directive 96/96/EC of 20 December
1996 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to roadworthiness tests for motor
vehicles and their trailers, which now includes the inspection of passenger cars and light vans within its
scope and also gives detailed requirements for the testing of vehicle brakes and exhaust emissions.

Today, all Member States and Accession Countries have transposed and put into effect the Directive and
therefore include passenger car testing within their national roadworthiness testing programmes in