Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dublin Port Tunnel.

Joe Higgins

Question:

318 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason a tolling inquiry has been established in relation to the port tunnel. [11889/98]

Joe Higgins

Question:

319 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason the tolling inquiry regarding the port tunnel is being carried out by the Department of the Taoiseach and not by his Department. [11890/98]

Joe Higgins

Question:

320 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the members of the tolling inquiry team in relation to the port tunnel; the basis on which they were chosen; the expertise or experience they have to merit their selection; the links they have to any private companies involved in road or tunnel construction; and if the consumer, public interest groups, community or resident associations have the right to be represented or to nominate any members onto the the team. [11891/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 318, 319 and 320 together.

The final report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative recommended that, to maximise its effectiveness, implementation of the proposed Dublin port tunnel should be accompanied by traffic management measures, including tolling. The statutory power to levy tolls on the proposed route, to make toll by-laws, or to enter into toll agreements with private investors is vested in the National Roads Authority under Part V of the Roads Act, 1993, and I understand that the NRA is at present considering a toll scheme on the lines recommended by the DTI.
However, before a toll could be imposed, a number of procedures would have to be complied with. These include formal consultation with the elected members of the local authority, the making of a toll scheme, the giving of public notice and the submission of the scheme for the approval of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Where objections are made to a toll scheme, a public inquiry must be held before a decision can be taken by the Minister. No toll scheme in respect of the route in question has yet been made and, accordingly, the question of an inquiry does not arise at this stage.
Top
Share