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Dublin Port Tunnel.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004

Wednesday, 7 July 2004

Ceisteanna (56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61)

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

46 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the height of the Dublin Port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20316/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

71 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when a final decision will be made on the height of the Dublin Port tunnel; the reason for the long delay in finalising this matter; when he expects that the tunnel will be completed and functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20436/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 71 together.

The position in relation to the height of the tunnel is that 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, their feasibility, having regard to the state of implementation of the current design and build contract and the likely additional costs and impact on the project completion date.

Having reviewed the findings of the report, further information was sought from the NRA pertaining to its conclusions in particular in 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 has been received from the contractors and is currently under consideration with a view to making a final decision as soon as possible. I will bring this matter to a conclusion by the end of this month and place the relevant documentation in the public arena. I understand from Dublin City Council that the Dublin Port tunnel is expected to be completed in third quarter 2005.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

47 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to address current access to Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20290/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

118 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with Dublin Port regarding access to Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20289/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

122 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to improve access to Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20287/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

124 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with Dublin Port regarding improved access to Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20288/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 118, 122, and 124 together.

The Dublin Port tunnel, which I understand from the NRA and Dublin City Council is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2005, will significantly improve access to Dublin Port in addition to providing relief to the city centre, environmental and safety benefits and relief from congestion for freight distributors and other port-related traffic.

A key mechanism to ensure that the tunnel meets its primary objective of providing easy access to Dublin Port for HGV traffic will be the implementation of a differentiated tolling system applicable to private cars. This tolling regime, under which HGVs will not be liable for tolls, and implementation of a HGV management strategy was always envisaged as part of the overall transport strategy underpinning the construction of the port tunnel in order to ensure that port freight traffic utilises the tunnel to the maximum extent.

Traffic management, including HGV traffic management, in the city centre and in the vicinity of the port is a matter primarily for Dublin City Council. I understand that Dublin City Council propose to address this in a HGV management plan currently being prepared, which will also address non-port related HGV traffic movements. Currently, all truck journeys in and out of Dublin Port pass through the city centre streets and adjacent residential areas.

I understand from Dublin City Council that this plan will have three objectives: to ensure the optimal use by HGVs of the port tunnel; to minimise adverse effects of remaining HGV movements in the city; and to manage the movement of vehicles not within permitted dimensions, for example, through permit systems.

Dublin City Council has published a report on HGV management as a basis for a widespread public consultation exercise. The public consultation period is now concluded and the responses received are being evaluated within Dublin City Council. I am informed by Dublin City Council that the HGV management plan, revised to take account of the submissions received, will be published in the autumn.

In addition, a regional freight of goods distribution study, commissioned by the DTO to determine the origin and destination patterns of HGVs in the greater Dublin area and to forecast future demand, is due to be completed shortly. I understand that it will identify obstacles to general goods distribution and for freight trips to and from Dublin Port, Dún Laoghaire Port and Dublin Airport. It will also review the scope for improved goods distribution strategies. I have not been directly involved in discussions with Dublin Port regarding improved access to the port.

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