Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The "Prime Time" programme also raised again the question of temporary blockages of the access doors. As this was mentioned in a previous "Prime Time" broadcast, it is important the programme now has acknowledged that the doors in question are access doors, not safety doors as originally alleged. These doors are designed for use by the tunnel operator to be used after, and not during, an incident. These are huge doors through which one can drive a truck or a fork-lift. The pedestrian or safety doors are small fire doors through which individuals may pass and are completely different. Were one to open the access door in the event of a fire or other problem, one would be allowing in oxygen, thus permitting the fire to spread into the other tunnel, which would be lunacy.

In its supervision of the design and construction of the tunnel, the National Roads Authority has always, from the outset, been fully cognisant of the need to ensure the highest standard of safety provision and has taken account of the most up-to-date standards and codes of practice. Safety has been a primary consideration in the development and implementation of the scheme and the operating, ventilation and safety systems have been designed with safety as a paramount consideration. A safety audit of the project confirms that the tunnel complies in all respects with the requirements of the recent EU directive on safety in road tunnels.

The safety procedures in the tunnel are kept under continuous review. The approach taken represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safe passage of vehicles through the tunnel. It is in line with best international standards. I emphasise there has not been and will not be any compromise in the safe level of operation of the tunnel. Any event that arises that could cause such a compromise will result in the immediate closure of the tunnel and no risk will then arise. While this causes inconvenience and disruption to traffic, it is essential to maintain the safety standard required of such a fabulous piece of infrastructure.

In line with all modern tunnels throughout the world, the Dublin Port tunnel requires regular maintenance and servicing of its equipment and systems. Both Deputies will be aware that to facilitate such work, night-time closures are required at weekends on an ongoing basis. Such closures take place between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday night and Saturday morning and on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Any additional special closures are separately announced whenever required. Since the tunnel opened it has been available for use for approximately 98.5% of scheduled time. In other words, non-scheduled closures arising from safety reasons have resulted in a reduction of tunnel availability of only 1.5%, which, by international standards is an excellent statistic. I hope this reply——

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