Ireland is being discriminated against by the EU common policy for rail, road, inland waterway, maritime and air transport.

That's according to the Mayor of Clare Madeleine Taylor Quinn, who told members of the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee policy must take into account Ireland's unique status as an island nation within the EU.

"As citizens of the EU, Irish people are being somewhat discriminated against by the transportation rules which are geared toward continental countries," claimed the mayor.

"These common rules give little consideration to Ireland's unique transportation needs as a country that is cut off from the rest of Europe."

Ms Taylor Quinn urged the committee members to consider a review of the rules that apply to transportation to and from Ireland, particularly with regard to grant support for mobile assets such as aircraft and ferries.

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"Ireland's island status has been overlooked and its economic competitiveness and international connectivity has been seriously undermined as a result. Furthermore, the country also faces higher transportation costs than its European counterparts," she said.

The mayor said any future review of the common rules must take into consideration Ireland's geographic position.

"Ireland does not benefit directly from significant EU support for infrastructure projects such as transcontinental rail or road links. Greater equality in relation to accessibility into the European mainland market must be introduced in the interests of fair play for all EU member states," said Ms Taylor Quinn.

However, Clare's First Citizen complimented the EU for its support of major infrastructural projects such as the N7 Limerick to Dublin national primary road and the ongoing development of the Atlantic Road Corridor which runs from Letterkenny to Waterford.

She said: "These projects provide excellent connectivity within the country itself. However, TRAN must look to enhancing connectivity between Ireland the wider Union by pledging increased support to air and sea terminals across the country.

"One such support could be the provision of grant aid towards the reopening of the strategically important Cork to Swansea sea route," added the mayor.

(PR/JM)