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Road Network.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004

Tuesday, 2 November 2004

Questions (72)

Mary Upton

Question:

128 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement in relation to the authority which has responsibility for the Dublin Port tunnel in the event of a fire breaking out either now or when it is operational; if the project has been certified in respect of fire safety; if so, the person by whom; the specialised appliances available to deal with such occurrences; and the training which has been provided for the relevant authority. [26990/04]

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Written answers

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel project, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authority concerned — in this case Dublin City Council. The issue of fire safety is a matter for the contractor and Dublin City Council. As the employer of any staff engaged in the course of tunnel construction, the responsibility for the health and safety of those employees resides with the contractor on site.

I understand from Dublin City Council that in the event of a fire in the tunnels, Dublin Fire Brigade will render whatever assistance is necessary, including rescue and retrieval, to the incident controller in charge. The ultimate decision as to whether a Dublin Fire Brigade crew can enter a structure, including a tunnel, will always reside with the fire brigade officer in charge. I am informed that selected crews of Dublin Fire Brigade are currently being given specialised training for dealing with fire incidents in tunnels and that all specialist equipment, as may be appropriate, will be provided to Dublin Fire Brigade fire officers.

Dublin City Council has informed me that the tunnel boring machines are now finished and are being removed off site. The tunnels and escape passages are all open and the risk of a fire incident in the tunnels has been dramatically reduced. I understand that all the contractor's workers have been trained in the use of fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures before they were granted a pass which permits them to enter or work in the tunnels.

Question No. 129 answered with QuestionNo. 116.
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