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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Roads Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1041 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the action he intends to take following the NITL survey of high cube vehicles using Dublin Port and the impact this will have on the Dublin Port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19925/03]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1042 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the explanation he has received from the Dublin Port Company in relation to the large variation between their survey of high cube vehicles using the port and that of the NITL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19926/03]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 1041 and 1042 together.

I understand that the NITL, in carrying out their study of heights of vehicles entering and exiting Dublin Port, analysed the Dublin Port Company's figures for the Tolka Quay Road exit gate and were able to confirm their accuracy. In terms of variation between NITL and Dublin Port Company data, I do not consider that the variation between two surveys, each indicating that less than 2% of all HGVs using Dublin Port will be too high to use the port tunnel, is a large variation.

Design and construction of the Dublin Port tunnel is a matter for the NRA and Dublin City Council as project managers. Construction of the tunnel is proceeding as planned having regard to the extent of work completed to date, the potential high cost and substantial delays associated with redesign and reconstruction of work already completed and the fact that the tunnel, which is on a par with best international practice in terms of tunnel heights, will cater for over 98% of truck traffic entering and leaving the Port. My Department has appointed consultants to review the feasibility, safety implications and cost of raising the height of the Dublin Port tunnel, including the evaluation of various options to achieve an increase in operational height. I am keeping the matter under review having regard to any additional information that becomes available on foot of this review.

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