Denis Naughten
Question:92 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he has had meetings with the management of the Dublin Port tunnel or the Dublin Transportation Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16753/02]
Written Answers. - Dublin Traffic Management.
Richard Bruton
Question:126 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed the impact of HGV's on city traffic due to the height restriction on the Dublin Port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18300/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 126 together.
I met the chairman of the Dublin Transportation Office on 1 July 2002 to discuss Dublin transport policy and I attended the DTO steering committee meeting on 24 September 2002 where I emphasised the importance of the DTO and relevant agencies working together to achieve the common goal of finding a solution to Dublin's traffic problems. I have not met the management of the Dublin Port tunnel.
Construction work is under way on the Dublin Port tunnel which has a construction contract value of almost €450 million. The tunnel will provide direct motorway access to Dublin Port and is expected to be open in early 2005. On completion, the tunnel will very significantly reduce the number of heavy goods vehicles using the city centre. National Roads Authority estimates suggest that in the year of opening, 7,200 heavy goods vehicles per day will use the tunnel. With a clearance height of 4.9m. and an operating height restriction of 4.65m. the Dublin Port tunnel is higher than most European tunnels where height limits apply. The tunnel also fully complies with an EU directive which requires that heavy goods vehicles up to 4.0m. in height must be accommodated in member states when undertaking international journeys. In addition, according to a survey carried out by the Dublin Port Company of all trucks exiting the port in June and July 2002, 98% of all trucks were below 4.65m. and will be accommodated by the tunnel. In view of the above, there are no proposals to increase the height of the tunnel. By taking significant numbers of HGVs and cars off the streets of Dublin every day, the port tunnel will provide much needed relief from congestion for freight distributors and other port-related traffic.
Finally, I should mention that a regional freight study is being undertaken by the Dublin Transportation Office as part of its integrated transportation strategy for the greater Dublin area to 2016. This study will identify appropriate routes and measures for the better management of general goods distribution for freight trips to and from Dublin port, Dún Laoghaire port and Dublin Airport.