Vol. 572 No. 3
445 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the details of the review which he is undertaking of the height of the Dublin Port tunnel, of the percentage of heavy goods vehicles which will be unable to use the tunnel, and of the feasibility of a ban on super trucks; the Government's estimate of the true position in respect of these items; and the cost of implementation of the various options to the State and to private users. [23462/03]
My Department has appointed consultants to review the feasibility, safety implications and cost of raising the height of the Dublin Port tunnel, including the evaluation of various options to achieve an increase in operational height. This review, which is due to be completed and submitted to my Department shortly, will assist in determining whether an increase in operational height is feasible and cost effective. On the basis of data currently available from Dublin Port Authority, statistics and a study by the National Institute of Transport and Logistics and on the basis of the operational height, 4.65 metres, of the tunnel as it is currently being constructed, it is estimated that between 0.7% to 1.7% of heavy goods vehicles entering and leaving the port might not be able to use the tunnel. Provision for those vehicles not able to use the tunnel is a matter for the heavy goods vehicle management plan being prepared by Dublin City Council. I understand from Dublin City Council that this plan will have three objectives. The first is to ensure the optimal use by HGVs of the port tunnel, the second is to minimise adverse effects of remaining HGV movements in the city and the third is to manage the movement of vehicles not within permitted dimensions through permit systems.
I understand that Dublin City Council will undertake widespread consultation before implementing any heavy goods vehicle management strategy. I have been informed that the current position in relation to the development of the HGV management strategy is that Dublin City Council intends to issue a preliminary consultation document identifying the issues involved in the near future.
