Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dublin Port Tunnel.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

185 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if a date and venue for the public inquiry on the proposed Dublin port tunnel has been established; the length of time the inquiry will take; the length of time other inquiries lasted; if all persons or groups who made submissions will be given the option of making presentations; the assistance, if any, which will be given towards expenses on professional advice to residential groups involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22173/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The date and venue for the public inquiry into the Dublin Port tunnel motorway scheme will be fixed as soon as possible. The duration of public inquiries into motorway schemes varies depending on the numbers who attend, and the volume and complexity of the issues raised. For example, the inquiry into the Northern Motorway — Airport to Balbriggan by-pass — lasted nine days while the South Eastern motorway inquiry was completed in seven days. In the circumstances, it is not possible to give an estimate as to the length of time this inquiry will last.

All persons who made submissions to me and who attend the public inquiry will have an opportunity to present evidence at the inquiry related to the proposed project. Financial assistance is not available from public funds towards the cost of obtaining professional advice in connection with such public inquiries.