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Public Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 March 2004

Tuesday, 2 March 2004

Questions (282, 283, 284)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

365 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects the port tunnel to cater for all vehicle types; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7048/04]

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Written answers

The Dublin Port tunnel, DPT, as a motorway, will, subject to compliance with the height requirements of the tunnel as constructed, cater for all vehicles entitled to use a motorway as set out in Article 7 of the Roads Regulations, 1994, S.I. No. 119 of 1994. The position regarding the use of the DPT by HGVs greater than 4.65 metres in height is that I am currently reviewing the height of the port tunnel based on information contained in a report prepared by W.S. Atkins for my Department. W.S. Atkins was requested to review a range of options for increasing the operational height of the tunnel, their feasibility, having regard to the state of implementation of the current design and build contract and the likely additional costs and impact on the project completion date. I am currently reviewing the findings of the report and have sought further information from the NRA pertaining to its conclusions. It should be noted however that the Dublin Port tunnel, which was designed having regard to best international practice in terms of tunnel heights, will cater for almost 99% of truck traffic entering and leaving the port.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

366 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the increasing incidences of bus jams at different locations throughout Dublin city; the way in which he expects matters to progress when Luas comes on stream thereby competing further with the bus fleet for road space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7049/04]

View answer

The investment in recent years in expanding the bus fleet of Dublin Bus and the network of quality bus corridors has provided better infrastructure and service frequency for commuters. The quality bus network project office of Dublin City Council is currently examining proposals to reduce congestion at specific pinch points in the Dublin region identified by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. Responsibility for traffic management in Dublin lies with the relevant local authority.

As regards Luas, Dublin Bus has introduced the measures necessary to accommodate Luas construction and a need for additional road space for buses along the corridors affected is not foreseen when Luas services commence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

367 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the extent to which city traffic has been impeded by various converging and competing traffic management furniture resulting in a dramatically reduced area for public or private transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7050/04]

View answer

Significant and unprecedented investment has been made and continues to be made by my Department in transport infrastructure and services in the greater Dublin area. This investment in infrastructure and services is showing dividends, and will do so even more so in the future as key projects such as the Luas, the port tunnel, the DART upgrade and completion of the M50 come on stream. However, day to day responsibility for the management of traffic in Dublin lies with the relevant local authority.

On the issue of what the Deputy refers to as traffic management furniture, the Road Traffic Acts establish that the provision of traffic signs, including those necessary for the application of regulatory controls, traffic calming and other traffic management measures is the responsibility of local authorities.

Questions Nos. 368 and 369 answered with Question No. 191.
Question No. 370 answered with QuestionNo. 118.
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