Ivor Callely
Question:82 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the current options available to residents objecting to the proposed Dublin port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2389/98]
Written Answers. - Dublin Port Access.
Derek McDowell
Question:96 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if there has been any recent evaluation of the economic viability of the port access tunnel; if he has satisfied himself that a north-south tunnel is the best option; and if the current proposals have been examined by him since he took office. [2452/98]
Richard Bruton
Question:203 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when an inspector will be appointed to assess the north port access tunnel; and the plans, if any, he has to make financial assistance available to residents' associations which wish to submit back up material in support of their concerns. [2568/98]
Richard Bruton
Question:206 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the protection, if any, the State provides to property owners under whose property it is proposed to tunnel; the provision, if any, made for adjudication on issues raised by these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2576/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 96, 203 and 206 together.
Planning of the proposed Dublin port tunnel is at present being advanced by Dublin Corporation, acting under the general supervision of the National Roads Authority which has overall supervision of the planning, design, construction and financing of national roads. Responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the tunnel would also lie with the corporation.
Evaluation of options for access to Dublin port was carried out as part of the Dublin Transportation Initiative. The DTI final report, 1994, recommended the development of a northern port access route. Further and updated evaluation of the suitability of the project will be contained in the revised environmental impact statement to be published by Dublin Corporation.
It is envisaged that the proposed tunnel will be constructed as a motorway. The statutory procedures involved in advancing this kind of development include the preparation of a motorway scheme and environmental impact statement, the giving of a period for the making of objec-tions-submissions, the holding of a public inquiry into all matters relating to the project, determinations by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government on the motorway scheme and environmental impact assessment, and land acquisition as necessary in accordance with compulsory purchase legislation.
The Minister is obliged in the context of these procedures to have regard to all submissions made by individuals or groups; such concerns may be reflected in his final determination of the procedures. The Minister is also empowered to certify that a contribution be made by a local authority towards costs and expenses reasonably incurred by any person in relation to an inquiry. This power is exercisable after the inquiry has been held and a decision reached on the scheme.
Arrangements for the holding of the inquiry, including the appointment of an inspector, into the Dublin port tunnel proposal will be made when the motorway scheme and revised environmental impact statement have been submitted by Dublin Corporation.