The Dublin Port Tunnel is the largest road tunnel project ever undertaken in the history of the State. On completion, it will transform access to Dublin Port, providing a motorway connection to the port from the M1 at Santry and the road network at East Wall.
The National Roads Authority and Dublin City Council are responsible for the construction and design of the tunnel. The tunnel has been designed to the highest international standards to ensure its safety, both during and after construction. In addition, extensive ground surveys were carried out in advance of the commencement of construction to ensure the suitability of the route for tunnelling purposes.
On Monday, 3 March, Iarnród Éireann instructed the port tunnel contractors to cease all tunnelling works under the railway at Fairview following two incidents that occurred during the construction of temporary supports at the site. These temporary supports are being constructed beneath the railway line to enable permanent works to follow with the construction of the tunnel itself. It is important to note that Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that the two incidents on 23 February and 1 March did not pose a danger to railway operations. The incidents related to problems with a supporting beam in an excavation tunnel – or pilot tunnel – and also to the slippage of about five cubic metres of material in a tunnel for a foundation shaft. These incidents are being investigated by the contractors, Dublin City Council, Iarnród Éireann and their advisers. A subsidence previously occurred in Fairview on 17 December 2002. An interim report on that incident has been completed and discussions are ongoing between all relevant parties to identify the reason for its occurrence. I know this is not a full explanation at this stage but it is important to await a proper, scientific explanation for this occurrence.
While these incidents are obviously a cause of some concern for all involved, including the contractors, the authorities and the general public, it is important to note that a wide range of measures are in place to ensure the safety of the works. The Deputy referred to independent observers and research.
Extensive resources and personnel are dedicated to ensure the safety of the project. Full time safety officers are employed by the contractor to monitor all aspects from a health and safety perspective. Dublin City Council has engaged a firm of consultants to supervise work on the project and it also employs a safety specialist. Safety updates are given to employees at regular inter vals. Dublin City Council has also engaged the services of an international tunnel safety specialist with extensive experience in the UK Health and Safety Executive. His role is to review and audit the on-site safety regime and improvements that have been carried out on foot of his advice.
Significant measures have also been taken to monitor and ensure the safety of buildings over the tunnel, in line with the best international practice. With regard to the railway, Iarnród Éireann also has in place a number of precautionary measures to protect railway operations, including 24-hour visual monitoring of the track and electronic equipment to detect any track movement. A stand-by crew is continually available to deal with any subsidence arising. No works will recommence under the railway until Iarnród Éireann has obtained sufficient details to satisfy itself as to the safety of the works. Work is currently proceeding on the main line of the Dublin Port Tunnel.
It is important to bear in mind that, despite a small number of incidents having arisen, the safety record of the Dublin Port Tunnel site is extremely good. The fact that such close attention is being paid to these incidents shows the level of dedication to safety at the tunnel site. Everyone involved with the project is concerned that the tunnel should be constructed as robustly and safely as possible, while at the same time minimising any delays in delivering this important national infrastructure.
The Dáil adjourned at 9.25 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 6 March 2003.
