Damien English
Question:120 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to when the Dublin Port Tunnel will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21955/06]
View answerWednesday, 7 June 2006
Questions (105, 106)
Jack Wall
Question:155 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the Dublin Port Tunnel to fully open to traffic; and the regulations he will introduce to facilitate traffic management in and around the tunnel, particularly in relation to lane use. [21978/06]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 155 together.
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned, in this case, Dublin City Council.
I understand that the civil engineering work within the tunnels has now been largely completed and that the main focus of work has shifted to the installation of the mechanical and electrical systems which make up the safety and control features of the project. I understand from Dublin City Council and the NRA that the main construction and installation work in the Tunnel is expected to be completed in June, with the Tunnel opening to traffic in September. However, the exact opening date will be contingent on satisfactory completion of the testing and commissioning of the tunnel's operational and safety features, including the training of operational and emergency staff.
Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority in the area. In this instance, the traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the Tunnel, including lane use, are matters for Dublin City Council and the National Roads Authority (NRA).
My officials and I are consulting with all stakeholders, including Dublin City Council and the NRA, to ensure that a co-ordinated strategy is developed for the opening of the Tunnel. My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulations regarding road signage and related matters to support the strategy. This work is underway.