To ask the Minister for Transport the anticipated date for the completion and the commissioning of the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Joan Burton. (Nominated by: Róisín Shortall).
For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 7th December, 2004.
Ref No: 32300/04

Answered by the Minister for Transport (Martin Cullen)

Reply

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned - in this case, Dublin City Council.

However, I understand from the NRA and Dublin City Council that construction of the Port Tunnel is expected to be completed in December 2005 and the tunnel will be open to traffic 6/8 weeks later, following commissioning of the tunnels operations and safety features.