Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the position in regard to the port tunnel with particular reference to meeting safety and other requirements. [20524/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 July 2004
Ceisteanna (132)
Freagraí scríofa
The issues raised by the Deputy are a matter for the contractor, Dublin City Council and the National Roads Authority.
I understand from the NRA that a recent safety audit of the project confirms that the Dublin Port tunnel complies, in all respects, with the requirements of the proposed EU directive on safety on road tunnels.
I am also informed by the NRA that the operating system for the tunnel and the ventilation and safety systems have been designed with safety as a paramount parameter. A package of further safety measures includes emergency telephones, lay-bys, pedestrian and vehicular cross passages, continuous CCTV coverage of the tunnel, a 24 hour manned control room, fire detection equipment and incident detection equipment. The ventilation system, along with the safety measures, represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safe passage of vehicles through the port tunnel. It is in line with the best international practice.
My Department appointed consultants to review the feasibility, safety implications and cost of raising the height of the Dublin Port tunnel. They were requested to review a range of options for increasing the operational height of the tunnel. They had to take into account the implementation of the current design and build contract and the likely additional costs and impact on the project's completion date.
Having reviewed the findings of the report further information was sought from the NRA pertaining to its conclusions in particular relation to the costs should the tunnel height be increased. As a result the contractors were requested to provide a fixed price cost for the work involved. A quotation was received from the contractors and is under consideration with a view to making a final decision as soon as possible.