Vol. 497 No. 2
277 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress to date in the plans for the Dublin port tunnel; the steps, if any, to be completed before construction can commence; the anticipated dates for the commencement and completion of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24691/98]
Dublin Corporation submitted an environmental impact statement for the proposed Dublin port tunnel motorway to me on 15 July 1998 and submitted the motorway scheme on 17 July 1998. The closing date for the receipt of submissions was 15 October 1998 and 172 submissions were received in my Department. The National Roads Authority, NRA, submitted a toll scheme for the proposed port tunnel to me on 2 October 1998. The closing date for the receipt of submissions was 13 November 1998 and ten submissions were received in my Department. I am having arrangements made for the holding of a public inquiry into the motorway and toll schemes and I anticipate that this will be held early in the new year. When the public inquiry is completed the person who held the inquiry will submit a report to me, which I must consider, with the environmental impact statement, toll scheme and the submissions made, before making my decision on the matter.
