Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Both projects are under feasibility studies. Some people have suggested the outer orbital is another road outside the M50, but that is not the case. It is a different route which provides extra capacity for drivers who wish to avoid Dublin. The study is almost complete on the outer orbital and is slightly ahead of the feasibility study on the eastern bypass. Although I have not seen it and I am guessing slightly, it will cut across from south of Drogheda and link up with all the other motorways.

There is substantial engineering involved in the feasibility study of the eastern bypass. All of these roads are measured against all the other modes of transport available in Transport 21 to see how we can get maximum value out of those projects. Both are exciting projects.

The port tunnel is working exceptionally well and will prove to be one of the most sensible and significant projects ever undertaken. Whether the eastern bypass is built or not, the tunnel has provided much relief to the streets of Dublin following the reconfiguration of traffic due to the cordon put in place. However, I will not prejudge the operation, unlike the two Deputies who prejudge everything.

See this speech in context